The Giving Pledge is a movement in which the great humanitarians of the world have promised to donate a massive part of their wealth to charity throughout their lives or in their wills. Its cause could be described as a clear call or direct invitation to all the affluent people in the world for a public commitment to give most of their wealth to philanthropy, either in the course of their lifespan or after their death by mentioning it in their wills. The generous individuals in the world who have been an example by donating despite their revenues and who have significantly played their part by sacrificing their interests for the betterment of society are the inspiration of The Giving Pledge. Some of the influential people of the world like Yuri Milner and Mark Zukerberg have joined the Pledge.
The idea of The Giving Pledge was laid out when philanthropists gathered to make a difference in the world and provide a platform for the rich to be generous. The initial focus was the United States, but later on, the hype of this phenomenon reached around the whole world, and many philanthropists from around the world united and supported it. The founding members of this great movement are Warren Buffett, Melinda French Gates, and Bill Gates. In August 2010, 40 of the richest people in the United States pledged to donate the majority of their wealth to tackle some of the most critical issues facing society. Individuals joining The Giving Pledge are encouraged to write a letter outlining their decision to actively and publicly participate in philanthropy and describing the causes that motivate them. The charity could be in any form, such as that of Yuri Milner and his wife, who initiated the Breakthrough Foundation as a part of The Giving Pledge.
The Pledgers
The list of people who have joined this noble cause has reached 231 pledgers. The promise of donation began with 40 signatories in the U.S. in 2010. By December 2021, there were 231 engagements from 28 countries of the world. These include not only individuals but couples who have also taken part in this movement. The pledgers include Yuri Milner and Julia Milner, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Bernie and Billi Marcus, Jim and Virginia Stowers, and Byron and Tina Trott.
Yuri Milner is an Israeli businessman, venture capitalist, and former physicist. He has been identified as one of the most influential global investors in the field of information technology. Yuri Milner is the creator of the investment firm DST Global, one of the biggest and most influential venture capital companies in the world. Yuri Milner’s wife, Julia Milner, is an ex-fashion model and contemporary artist. Both of them signed the Pledge.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are well-known philanthropists who have donated a huge chunk of their profits to the development and growth of society. Mark Zuckerberg is a United States media mogul and online entrepreneur. He is known to have co-founded the social media site Facebook and its parent company, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.), where he is President and CEO. His wife, Priscilla Chan, is also an American philanthropist and a former pediatrician. This couple has also signed up for this noble charity.
Bernie Marcus is an American billionaire. He was a founding member of Home Depot. He also united in this cause with his wife, Billi Marcus. James Stowers was an American businessman who founded both American Century Investments and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. He and his wife, Virginia Stowers, are part of this pledge too. Byron Trott is the founder, president, and CEO of BDT Capital Partners, an investment bank that provides guidance and capital for families and business owners—and with his wife, Tina, is also part of The Giving Pledge.