Warren Buffett Donates Record $6 Billion in Berkshire Hathaway Shares to Charity
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has once again demonstrated his unparalleled commitment to philanthropy by donating $6 billion worth of company stock to various charitable foundations. This historic contribution, announced on June 28, 2025, marks Buffett’s largest single-year donation and reaffirms his status as one of the most generous philanthropists in modern history.
This latest act of giving not only elevates his total lifetime donations past $60 billion but also highlights Buffett’s long-standing pledge to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes.
A New Benchmark in Buffett’s Giving Journey
The massive $6 billion donation was made through the transfer of approximately 12.36 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway. These shares were distributed across several charitable organizations, including:
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Received the majority, over 9.4 million shares
- Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation – Named after Buffett’s late first wife, received around 943,000 shares
- Howard G. Buffett Foundation
- Sherwood Foundation
- NoVo Foundation – Each of the latter three, run by Buffett’s children, received around 660,000 shares each
This distribution strategy reflects Buffett’s deeply personal and strategic approach to philanthropy, supporting both global initiatives and more localized, family-directed missions.
Breaking His Own Record
Buffett’s 2025 donation surpasses his previous record of $5.3 billion, given in 2023. It is the largest annual donation since he began his structured giving strategy in 2006. In total, he has donated over half of his Berkshire stock and plans to continue giving until nearly all of his wealth is disbursed.
Even after this year’s massive gift, Buffett still retains about 13.8% ownership in Berkshire Hathaway, making him a significant figure in the company he’s led since 1965.
Warren Buffett’s Net Worth and Legacy
Before this donation, Buffett’s net worth was estimated at around $152 billion, placing him as the fifth-richest person in the world. After the $6 billion gift, analysts expect his rank to shift slightly, likely placing him at sixth on the global wealth leaderboard.
More importantly, Buffett’s consistent and transparent giving reinforces his reputation as a leader who sees wealth as a tool for positive impact, rather than personal indulgence. He first publicly committed to donating the majority of his fortune in 2006, and he has since been a vocal advocate for The Giving Pledge, a movement encouraging billionaires to dedicate a majority of their wealth to philanthropy.
A Family Legacy: The Charitable Trust Plan
Buffett’s giving does not end with him. As per a revised will in 2024, 99.5% of his remaining wealth will be placed in a charitable trust, which will be overseen by his three children—Susie, Howard, and Peter Buffett—after his death.
Key details of the trust:
- The assets must be disbursed within ten years of his passing
- All decisions must be unanimously approved by his children
- The goal: ensure that Buffett’s wealth continues to serve philanthropic causes with thoughtful governance and family oversight
This long-term plan ensures that his legacy of giving continues well into the future.
The Power of Berkshire Hathaway
Buffett’s immense philanthropic power comes from the continued success of Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company he’s led for six decades. Today, Berkshire is valued at over $1.05 trillion and owns a diverse portfolio of nearly 200 businesses, including:
- Geico
- BNSF Railway
- Duracell
- Dairy Queen
It also holds significant stakes in major public companies like Apple, Bank of America, and American Express.
Staggering Long-Term Returns
Since Buffett took over in 1965, Berkshire’s Class A shares have grown by more than 5,884,000%, outperforming the S&P 500 by a wide margin. This incredible growth underpins his ability to make such large and regular donations, without compromising the company’s financial stability or his own voting power.
Investment Philosophy Meets Philanthropy
Buffett’s investment wisdom also extends into how he handles his giving. He has always approached wealth with a philosophy of stewardship, famously saying:
“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.”
This philosophy mirrors his careful, value-driven approach to philanthropy—he doesn’t just give large sums, but gives strategically to institutions and foundations that have a proven impact and sustainable models.
Buffett’s Views on the Market
In recent shareholder meetings, Buffett has noted that he has been a net seller of stocks for over ten consecutive quarters, citing high valuations in the current market. His strategy emphasizes caution, long-term thinking, and reserving capital for better future opportunities—principles that apply both to investing and giving.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: A Core Partner
Once again, the Gates Foundation remains the largest beneficiary of Buffett’s charitable contributions. Buffett’s partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates has become one of the most high-profile alliances in philanthropy.
Through this ongoing support, the foundation has expanded programs in:
- Global health
- Poverty alleviation
- Education reform
- Pandemic preparedness
Buffett, who has a close personal friendship with Bill Gates, stepped down from the foundation’s board in 2021 to maintain governance independence but has never stopped contributing financially.
Philanthropy in the Buffett Era: A Model for Others
Warren Buffett’s philanthropy is widely seen as a blueprint for responsible wealth distribution. Unlike many billionaires who wait until their final years or death to give, Buffett began giving early and openly—allowing the world to watch his journey and learn from it.
Key principles he has promoted:
- Transparency in donations
- Minimal bureaucracy in giving
- Focus on trusted organizations with proven outcomes
- Empowering future generations to continue the mission
By turning his success into systemic support for humanitarian causes, Buffett is not only sharing his wealth—but redefining what responsible capitalism can look like.
Buffett’s Donations Over Time: A Timeline
| Year | Donation Amount | Primary Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | $1.5 billion | Gates Foundation, others |
| 2010 | $1.6 billion | Multiple foundations |
| 2020 | $2.9 billion | Gates, Buffett family foundations |
| 2023 | $5.3 billion | Record at the time |
| 2025 | $6.0 billion | New all-time record |
Each donation represents a growing commitment and reflects both the compound success of Berkshire and the expanding scope of Buffett’s vision for a better world.
Final Thoughts: Buffett’s Lasting Impact
With this $6 billion donation, Warren Buffett has not only made history but has also set an enduring example of how vast financial success can translate into meaningful, lasting change.
His philanthropic strategy is as calculated and thoughtful as his investment strategy. And while the numbers are jaw-dropping, the real story is one of legacy, leadership, and values.
As Buffett steps further back from day-to-day investing and deeper into a role as a philanthropic titan, his actions continue to inspire not only investors and CEOs—but anyone who believes in the power of giving to shape the future.