Growing in Generosity

3 Ways to Give Like a Billionaire

Imagine you have a billion dollars. What would you do with the money? Maybe you’d have a bigger house, take some amazing trips, or provide everything your family needs.

How preposterous would it be if you gave it all away?

That’s exactly what billionaire Charles Feeney did. Embracing a “giving while living” philosophy, he committed to donating the vast majority of his wealth. By the time he passed away in 2023, he had given away $8 billion.

The odds are you won’t ever be a billionaire, but it is possible to give like one. Anyone can give while they live and make a difference now—and for eternity. Here are three lessons we can glean from Charles Feeney’s example.

Pursue Generosity Now. You have time, talent, and treasure to give. There’s no time like the present to be generous with those gifts you’ve been given to meet the needs around you, including those we serve. Get in touch with us to learn how your giving will impact lives now and make a lasting difference in the years to come.

Plan to Give Later. Does giving now mean you won’t have anything to give later? Absolutely not. There are a number of ways to extend generosity after your lifetime, from including a gift in your will to donating appreciated assets like stocks or mutual funds.

Share Your Why. According to news stories, Charles Feeney preferred to donate anonymously. As he got older, however, he became more public about his desire to set an example for others with his giving. You can do that too. Sharing your commitment to generosity with your family can ignite that same spark in your children, grandchildren, and the generations after you.

Philosopher Albert Camus once said, “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” Whether you’re rich in time, talent, or treasure, you can give while you live and make a powerful statement about what matters most.