3 Powerful CEOs in the Philanthropic World

Some of the greatest contributions to worthwhile causes arise in the form of financial aid. Contributions from wealthy individuals are the key drivers of many nonprofit organizations that strive to help the needy. Some influential CEOs have managed to transform the world not only with intelligent, groundbreaking, and entrepreneurial ideas but also through charitable acts. Below are three CEOs who have excelled both in business and philanthropy worlds.

1. Warren Buffet

Warren Buffet is the world’s leading investor, board chairperson, and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway. In 2010, he collaborated with Bill and Melinda Gates to unveil The Giving Pledge, a platform through which the wealthiest individuals and families can donate their wealth to the philanthropic and charitable organization, either in their lifetime or after their death. The Giving Pledge allows pledgers to donate to any organization or group they prefer. The foundation has public pledges amounting to more than $125 billion.

Warren Buffet donates towards causes such as education, children, nuclear threats, health and economic development, and community services. He promised to give 99 percent of his wealth to charitable causes. Upon Buffet’s death, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will receive 83 percent of his pledged wealth and the rest will go to the foundation of his children.

2. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg is a terrific investor and influential philanthropist. He founded Facebook and currently serves as its CEO. His charitable initiatives revolve around the fields of education, community development, technology innovation, health, and immigration reform. He is the brains behind the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, which started its operation in 2015. The initiative focuses on personalized learning, eliminating life-threatening diseases, connecting people, and establishing strong communities. Zuckerberg made an appearance on the celebrated Oprah Winfrey Show in 2010 and announced a donation of a record $ 100 million to the Public School System of the Newark, New Jersey.

3. Marc Benioff

Benioff is a leading American entrepreneur, accomplished author, and passionate philanthropist. He launched Salesforce in 1999, and he is the current CEO and chairperson. Salesforce is one of prominent cloud computing companies in the world. He funds the UCSF Foundation that raises funds to further research and treatment at the Children’s Hospital that is centered within The University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Recently, he donated a whopping $100 million to finance the construction the hospital’s new headquarters at the Mission Bay-based UCSF campus.

Philanthropy is a valuable fragment of a democratic society. It focuses on improving the well-being of people by preventing and coming up with lasting solutions to social problems. Wealthy entrepreneurs engage in charitable acts to support programs and endeavors whose aim is to make the world a safe and better place.


John Partilla is the CEO of Screenvision, and he’s a veteran of the marketing industry with nearly three decades of experience in a variety of roles.  Please read “John Partilla Named Screenvision CEO,”  “John Partilla: Screenvision Names Exec CEO – Variety,” “Screenvision Taps John Partilla To Be CEO As It Seeks To Rebuild” and his  Screenvision profile to learn more. Also, check out his CrunchbaseTwitter, and LinkedIn.

Top Philanthropic Companies in the Ad World Right Now

Perhaps President John F. Kennedy said it best:

“The raising of extraordinarily large sums of money, given voluntarily and freely by millions of our fellow Americans, is a unique American tradition… Philanthropy, charity, giving voluntarily and freely… call it what you like, but it is truly a jewel of an American tradition.

When it comes to major companies and the money generously given back to the community, there are super star philanthropic players who stand high above the rest. These a-list companies donate millions of dollars annually all over the world.

1. Walmart. The neighborhood store has developed into a global household name, known for its “every day low prices” philosophy. Their other mission is creating “opportunities so people can live better.”

Walmart remains a powerful leader in the charity arena via the Walmart Foundation. The latest numbers tell the store giant’s story. In 2014, Walmart donated $1.4 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. Global in-kind donations accounted for $1 billion, while $309 million was given in cash globally.

Walmart also boosted employee starting wages from $9 to $10 per hour.

2. Exxon Mobil. The iconic oil and gas company continues riding the wave of success and giving back to others in three key areas under the Exxon Mobil Foundation. The company is focusing on education, malaria prevention, and economic opportunity for women.

Exxon Mobil’s 2015 cash contributions amounted to $268 million. Vital Voices, the international women’s group founded by Hillary Clinton received $1.9 million. A sum of $500,000 went to Medicines for Malaria Venture and $80,000 to numerous science camps at colleges and universities scattered across the country.

3. Bank of America. The major financial institution retains a strong commitment to fighting hunger, collaborating with the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, Feeding America. Every dollar donated helps provide 11 meals to men, women and children facing hunger in the U.S.

In addition, Bank of America made cash contributions to the tune of $168.5 million in 2015. Last year, the company spent just shy of $50 million on workforce education, $33 million on community development, and another $33 million on hunger and other critical needs.


John Partilla is the CEO of Screenvision, and he’s a veteran of the marketing industry with nearly three decades of experience in a variety of roles.  Please read “John Partilla Named Screenvision CEO,”  “John Partilla: Screenvision Names Exec CEO – Variety,” “Screenvision Taps John Partilla To Be CEO As It Seeks To Rebuild” and his  Screenvision profile to learn more. Also, check out his CrunchbaseTwitter, and LinkedIn.