It looks like Larry Ellison may be following in the footsteps of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Oracle founder Larry Ellison has pledged to donate 95% of his wealth as part of the Giving Pledge in 2010, is currently the world’s second richest person, only behind Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Ellison’s philanthropic efforts are primarily channelled through the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a for-profit organization based at the University of Oxford. The institute focuses on global challenges including healthcare, food insecurity, climate change, and AI research. A major new campus for EIT, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, is scheduled to open in Oxford by 2027.
Ellison’s notable donations include contributions to medical research as well, including a $200 million gift to the University of Southern California to establish a cancer treatment center. Earlier, his Ellison Medical Foundation invested nearly $1 billion into aging and disease prevention research before its closure in 2013.
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Compared to some billionaire peers, Ellison’s direct charitable donations are more modest, reflecting his strategic, impact-driven philanthropy rather than traditional giving. His approach emphasizes sustainable, large-scale solutions over immediate disbursements, aiming to address some of the most complex global problems through innovation and science.
Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index reports that he has a total net worth of $373 billion.
Ellison is increasingly following in the footsteps of legendary philanthropists Bill Gates and Warren Buffett by committing to give away the vast majority of his wealth. Both Gates and Buffett set a powerful precedent when they launched the Giving Pledge in 2010, urging billionaires to donate at least half of their fortunes to charitable causes.
Ellison’s promise to donate 95% of his wealth places him firmly within this movement of ultra-wealthy individuals dedicating themselves to large-scale philanthropy aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems.
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Bill Gates has committed over $50 billion to global health, education, and poverty alleviation through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on vaccine development, disease eradication, and improving education access worldwide. Warren Buffett, meanwhile, pledged more than $40 billion, primarily to the Gates Foundation and other charitable organizations, emphasizing effective philanthropy with a focus on healthcare and poverty reduction.
Ellison’s philanthropic journey reflects a broader trend among today’s wealthiest individuals who are committed to using their fortunes to address critical global challenges. By pledging to donate the vast majority of his wealth and focusing on long-term, strategic initiatives like the Ellison Institute of Technology, Ellison is embracing a model of philanthropy that prioritizes sustainable impact over immediate charity. This approach aligns closely with the pioneering efforts of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who have set a high standard through their extensive contributions to health, education, and poverty alleviation.