Not Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos: Here are some of the top philanthropists on Time Magazine’s 2025 list

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” - Winston Churchill.

TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in philanthropy is out, and it’s not the usual suspects topping the charts. While Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos often dominate the rich list headlines, this one highlights a diverse group of individuals making significant impacts in various sectors.

Among the notable names is Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, whose foundation spends over $35 million annually on programs across Africa, focusing on health, education, and economic empowerment. His inclusion underscores the growing influence of African philanthropists on the global stage.

Philanthropic education and social causes

In the realm of education, Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, and his wife Patty Quillin have continued their substantial donations, including a $50 million gift to Bowdoin College for research on AI’s risks and consequences. Similarly, Phil and Penny Knight have invested heavily in academic institutions, with lifetime giving estimated at $3.6 billion, supporting initiatives like the University of Oregon’s innovation hub and Stanford’s brain resilience research.

The list also features individuals championing social causes. Michael Sheen, the Welsh actor, declared himself a “not-for-profit actor” after selling two of his houses to fund the Homeless World Cup soccer tournament. Chef José Andrés continues his humanitarian work through World Central Kitchen, serving over 450 million meals in disaster areas and war zones.

Familiar names continue on the list, including Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, Melinda French Gates. Forbes also does a list...

Arts, royalty and sports

In the arts and diversity sector, Elizabeth Alexander, president of the Mellon Foundation, is recognized for her efforts in championing diversity in the arts and humanities. Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of “Hamilton,” is working to increase Latino representation in the film industry through his nonprofit, the Miranda Family Fund.

The list also acknowledges the philanthropic efforts of royalty. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are recognized for modernizing royal philanthropy, addressing issues like homelessness, mental health, and climate change through initiatives like the Earthshot Prize and the Shaping Us campaign. There’s even a shout-out for NBA’s Steph Curry and soccer legend, David Beckham.

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