Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, announced on June 28, 2025, a significant donation totaling $6 billion. This is the first donation of nearly 12.4 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock. Each share is worth $485.68 at the current share price at close last Friday. This once-in-a-lifetime philanthropic gesture will provide lasting support for the five foundations. That makes Buffett’s total contributions to these organizations since 2006 close to $60 billion.
The donation renews Buffett’s personal promise to give all of his wealth away. To good effect, 99.5% of his estate will be gifted to charitable uses at his death. His fortune is estimated at about $145 billion. He mostly invests like his company’s namesake—Berkshire Hathaway owns many well-known businesses, from Geico insurance to Dairy Queen.
Continuing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Buffett’s most recent donation is a testament to not only his wealth, but to his commitment to philanthropy. Since 2006, he has been one of the biggest names in philanthropy, repeatedly donating to several charities. With their delivery of the shares planned for delivery on Monday, his commitment to philanthropy continues to be affirmed.
While this $3.17 billion donation is indeed substantial, Buffett continues to live as modestly as ever and remain humble about his extraordinary wealth. He remarked,
“Nothing extraordinary has occurred at Berkshire; a very long runway, simple and generally sound decisions, the American tailwind and compounding effects produced my current wealth.”
Buffett’s philanthropic strategy aligns with his overall investment philosophy. He emphasizes a conservative approach and focuses on sustainable growth.
Investments and Market Performance
Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B stock has had a huge year, up 19.1% over the past year. This performance outshines the return of 14.1%—including dividends—of the wide U.S. stock market. Such growth is indicative not only of Buffett’s investment acumen but of the stability of the companies within Berkshire’s portfolio.
Today, Buffett is one of the most celebrated titans on Wall Street, known for ferreting out undervalued companies and consistently savvy investment decisions. His approach stands in stark relief to a lot of investors who would look to pursue those massive valuations. Due to these factors, his tactics have made him a celebrated celebrity in the finance community.
Future Philanthropic Directions
Looking towards the future, Buffett has already stated that he wants to change the trajectory of his philanthropy upon his death. Beyond that, he wants to endow donations to schools that he intends to stop giving to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has empowered his three adult children to determine how to distribute the rest of his vast fortune.
This declaration signals a significant transition in the management of his charitable legacy and highlights the importance he places on family involvement in these decisions.
“My will provides that about 99 1/2% of my estate is destined for philanthropic usage.”
This declaration signals a significant transition in the management of his charitable legacy and highlights the importance he places on family involvement in these decisions.
