The Top Donors of 2012 See the full list
1. warren buffett
$3.1-billion
2. mark zuckerberg and priscilla chan
$498.8-million
3. john and laura arnold
$423.4-million
4. paul allen
$309.1-million
5. sergey brin and anne wojcicki
$222.9-million
6. mortimer zuckerman
$200-million
7. fred fields
$191.5-million
8. carl icahn
$150-million
9. sheldon and miriam adelson
$143-million
10. g. david gundlach
$140-million
Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times/Redux
Kimihiro Hoshino/AFP/Getty Images/Newscom
Young Donors Help Community Funds Have Banner Year
By Michael Anft
Eight of America's biggest donors made substantial gifts to local funds, helping to reverse concerns that a more mobile society would never put down roots to become generous philanthropists.
Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times
Hollywood Charity Back From Brink With $240-Million
By Michael Anft
After facing lawsuits and protests, the Motion Picture & Television Fund redoubled its focus on its mission of helping the needy and now is thriving.
Fundraising Tip From a Big Donor: Just Ask
By Jennifer C. Berkshire
Delores Barr Weaver, who gave $50-million last year to a Florida community foundation, says she would have given much more earlier in her life if a charity official had made a pitch.
How The Chronicle Compiled the Philanthropy 50
The Philanthropy 50 report of 2012 was compiled by Maria Di Mento, with assistance from Caroline Preston and Sarah Frostenson.
Bruce Lipsky/Florida Times-Union
Former NFL Team Owner Champions Controversial Causes
By Jennifer C. Berkshire
Delores Barr Weaver is pouring $50-million into a fund to help girls caught up in sex trafficking and to reduce the number of rapes among people in the military, among other efforts.
Rob Bennett for Robin Hood
How Fundraisers Meet Wealthy Donors' Demands
By Holly Hall
New youth programs have helped Robin Hood Foundation appeal to donors seeking to instill generosity in their kids.
Edward Reed, New York City Hall/AP Images
Why Bloomberg and Gates Didn't Make the List
By Maria Di Mento and
Caroline Preston
The rankings are designed to showcase new commitments, but not all big philanthropists made any last year—or chose to make them public.
