Warren Buffett Donates Record $6 Billion Berkshire Shares: Philanthropy and Business Legacy

Warren Buffett, the legendary “Oracle of Omaha” and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has once again made history with a record-breaking act of philanthropy. On June 28, 2025, Buffett donated $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway shares to five major charitable organizations, marking the largest annual gift of his storied giving career. This milestone not only cements his reputation as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists but also offers a powerful testament to the intersection of business success and social responsibility.

A Landmark Donation

Buffett’s latest contribution involved the transfer of approximately 12.36 million Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares. The majority—over 9.4 million shares—went to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a long-standing beneficiary of Buffett’s generosity and a global leader in health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late first wife and focused on education and reproductive health, received nearly 943,000 shares. The remaining shares, about 660,000 each, were distributed to three foundations run by his children: the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (food security and conflict resolution), the Sherwood Foundation (social justice and equity), and the NoVo Foundation (women’s empowerment and community initiatives).

This $6 billion gift surpasses Buffett’s previous record of $5.3 billion donated in June 2023 and brings his lifetime charitable contributions to well over $60 billion. Even after this enormous donation, Buffett remains a major shareholder, holding about 13.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s stock.

A Legacy of Giving

Buffett’s philanthropic journey began in earnest in 2006, when he pledged to give away the vast majority of his fortune. Now 94 years old, he has consistently followed through on this promise, making annual donations that have grown in both size and impact. His unique approach—donating shares of Berkshire Hathaway rather than cash—has enabled the recipient foundations to benefit from the company’s long-term growth and financial strength.

Buffett’s giving philosophy is rooted in a belief that wealth should be used to address society’s most pressing challenges. He has often stated that he intends to give away more than 99% of his wealth, with the remainder to be distributed through a charitable trust managed by his children after his death. This commitment is reflected in his decision last year to update his will, ensuring that 99.5% of his remaining fortune will ultimately support philanthropic causes.

Business Acumen Meets Social Impact

Buffett’s philanthropy is closely tied to his business legacy. Under his leadership since 1965, Berkshire Hathaway has grown into a $1 trillion conglomerate, encompassing nearly 200 businesses and major holdings in companies like Apple and American Express. His investment philosophy—focused on long-term value, discipline, and ethical management—has not only delivered extraordinary returns for shareholders but also provided the foundation for his charitable giving.

By donating Berkshire shares, Buffett has demonstrated how business success can be leveraged for social good. The Gates Foundation, for example, has used his contributions to fund vaccine development, improve global health, expand educational opportunities, and tackle poverty at scale. The family foundations have similarly channeled resources into causes ranging from food security to women’s empowerment.

Setting a Standard for Philanthropy

Buffett’s approach to giving has inspired a new era of billionaire philanthropy. His public commitment to the Giving Pledge—a campaign he co-founded with Bill and Melinda Gates, encouraging the world’s wealthiest individuals to donate at least half their fortunes—has attracted hundreds of signatories and billions in additional charitable commitments. Buffett’s transparency, humility, and focus on measurable impact have set a standard for others to follow.

Despite his immense generosity, Buffett maintains a modest lifestyle and has repeatedly emphasized that his children will not inherit the bulk of his fortune. Instead, he has entrusted them with the responsibility of stewarding his charitable legacy, ensuring that his wealth continues to benefit society for generations to come.

A Lasting Impact

Warren Buffett’s record $6 billion donation in 2025 is more than a headline—it’s a powerful reminder of the potential for business leaders to drive positive change. As he continues to give away his fortune, Buffett’s legacy will be measured not just in financial terms, but in the countless lives improved by his generosity and vision. His story stands as an enduring example of how wealth, when guided by purpose and principle, can help build a better world.