Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to philanthropy by donating an unprecedented $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway shares on Friday. This marks his largest annual donation since he began systematically giving away his wealth nearly two decades ago.
The generous act involved the transfer of approximately 12.36 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway, significantly increasing his lifetime charitable contributions to over $60 billion.
Major Beneficiaries of Buffett’s 2025 Donation
A majority of the shares—9.43 million—were donated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has long been a key beneficiary of Buffett’s giving. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late first wife and dedicated to reproductive health, received 943,384 shares.
Additionally, three charitable foundations managed by his children—the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation—were each granted 660,366 shares.
These family-led organizations tackle a variety of global and local issues, including:
- Food insecurity and conflict mitigation (Howard G. Buffett Foundation)
- Support for Nebraska-based nonprofits and early education (Sherwood Foundation)
- Advocacy for women’s rights and indigenous communities (NoVo Foundation)
Buffett’s Wealth and Continued Ownership
Despite the massive donation, Buffett still holds approximately 13.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock, based on currently reported figures. Prior to the donation, his net worth stood at around $152 billion, making him the fifth-richest person in the world, according to Forbes. Following this latest contribution, he is expected to move down to sixth place.
These gifts surpass the $5.3 billion he donated in June of the previous year and the $1.14 billion given to family charities last November.
A Lifelong Mission of Giving
Now 94 years old, Buffett began his philanthropy journey in 2006. He remains steadfast in his pledge to give away the majority of his wealth and confirmed in a statement that he has no plans to sell any of his Berkshire shares.
Last year, Buffett revised his will to further entrench his philanthropic legacy. Upon his death, 99.5% of his remaining fortune will be entrusted to a charitable trust managed by his children: Howard, Susie, and Peter. The three will be required to unanimously decide how to allocate the funds, with a 10-year timeline for distribution. Howard is currently 70, Susie is 71, and Peter is 67.
The Empire Buffett Built
Buffett has led Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, transforming it into a global conglomerate with a market value of over $1.05 trillion. The firm owns a diverse portfolio of nearly 200 businesses, including Geico, BNSF Railway, and major equity holdings in companies such as Apple and American Express.
Buffett previously announced that donations to the Gates Foundation will end upon his passing, further emphasizing the shift toward family-directed giving in his final wishes.