Michael Bloomberg, Biggest Donor of 2025, Tops Philanthropy 50 List for Third Year in a Row
The wealthy donors on the Chronicle’s list gave to nonprofits they know and trust.
By Maria Di Mento and Ben Gose
Where They Live, Give, and More
Learn more about America’s 50 biggest donors in 2025: their ages, sources of wealth, where they live, and where they give
How the Chronicle Compiled Its List of the Top 50 Donors
A look at what gifts count toward the ranking — and why some big-name philanthropists aren’t on the list
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Caught in a Web of DAF Transfers
Donors get a tax deduction for donor-advised fund contributions, but billions of payouts each year are simply recycled to other DAF providers
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Julián Castro Plans to Build a $250M Endowment for Latino Community Groups
The former housing secretary is working to increase the assets and footprint of the California-based nonprofit he has led since January 2024.
By James Pollard
Philanthropy Reporter, Associated Press
Congress and the Media Should Turn Up the Heat on Nonprofits
Aggressive oversight — not new laws — may be the only way to curb the growing use of charitable dollars for political ends.
By Craig Kennedy
Contributor
How Seattle Seahawks Sale Will Benefit Charity
The late Paul Allen left behind an estimated $26 billion that he wanted to largely leave to charity. His estate is finally selling the football team, which represents nearly a quarter of his fortune.
By Reid Kress Weisbord and Naomi Cahn
A Children’s Hospital Is Renamed for Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton Children's Hospital hopes to transform pediatric care in Tennessee. The singer’s support comes as rural hospital closures have left tens of millions of people with fewer health care options.
By James Pollard
Philanthropy Reporter, Associated Press
Lynda and Stewart Resnick Give UCLA $100 Million for Psychiatric Care
The gift expands mental and behavioral health services at the Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
TED’s Audacious Project Raised $1B From Donors in 2 Days for Big Nonprofit Efforts
More than a dozen nonprofits will benefit. Donors will meet in person to decide how much to give each group.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press
A Blueprint for Faster Giving: Lessons From My Pop-Up Foundation
A former foundation executive’s grassroots experiment shows what philanthropy can accomplish when it prioritizes urgency and trust over traditional institution‑building.
By Lisa Pilar Cowan
Contributor
As AI Advances, Candid Cuts Staff, Bets Its Future on Data
As artificial intelligence explodes, nonprofit data provider Candid shifts focus to provide data to AI platforms.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
MacKenzie Scott’s Boldest Year Yet: Fewer Gifts, Massive Checks
Her 2025 giving hit $7.1B, with fewer gifts but far larger checks driving her most ambitious year yet. By pouring resources into repeat partners and global and environmental causes, she’s signaled a new, bolder era for her philanthropy.
By Stephanie Beasley
Senior Writer
Emergency Funding Shifts From Crisis Response to Long‑Term Resilience
Nonprofits are better understanding their longer-term needs now, and some funders are responding.
By Stephanie Beasley
Senior Writer