The Philanthropy 50
A Slow Year for Big Gifts Spurs Wealthy Donors to Creativity
While the bad economy slowed the amount wealthy people gave in multimillion-dollar donations to charities, the hard times triggered an outpouring of creative giving.
Beyond the List
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Close Relationships Key to Winning Some of 2009’s Biggest Gifts
Flexibility and an ability to build long-term relationships are key to how big-gift fund raisers succeed in tough times.
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Some Gifts Under $5-Million Made a Big Difference
Some of the gifts that made a big difference last year were not the ones for $100-million but those that provided $1-million to $5-million to nonprofit groups.
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Keeping Track of Payments on Previous Years’ Biggest Pledges
How much the nation's biggest donors --including Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Ted Turner -- paid last year on commitments worth billions of dollars.
Behind the Scenes
Maria Di Mento, a Chronicle of Philanthropy assistant editor, discusses what it takes to create the annual list of America’s most-generous donors.
Related content: Philanthropy 50: How It Was Compiled
America's Biggest Givers: 2009
Stanley F. and Fiona B. Druckenmiller, No. 1 on The Chronicle's list of America's most-generous donors, gave $705-million to their foundation.
Search the entire Philanthropy 50 list
Search The Chronicle's annual listings of America's top donors since 2000:
Donor Profiles
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George Soros: Battling Climate Change and Financial Crises
George Soros, the hedge-fund manager, is using his philanthropy to attempt to reform the way financial markets are governed.
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Mary and John Pappajohn: Money for the Heartland
John Pappajohn, who made a fortune as an investor, and his wife, Mary Pappajohn, focus their giving on education and arts in their home state of Iowa.
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David Eddings: An Epic Journey Culminates in a Multimillion-Dollar Gift
David Eddings, a popular science-fiction writer, didn't want to give his fortune during his lifetime. His alma mater benefited by knowing it was unwise to push hard for a...
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Robert Gumbiner: $50-Million for Latin American Art
Health-insurance pioneer created museum to showcase "obscure and under-appreciated" art.
