The 2021 EdelGive Hurun Philanthropists of the Century was released on June 23, 2021 and as per the same one of the Indians has topped the list when it comes to generosity in the last century.

The ranking of the world's most generous people from the past century has been based Total Philanthropic Value, calculated as the value of the assets today together with the sum of gifts or distributions to date. For example, the Total Philanthropic Value of George Soros is the sum of current endowment of value of The Open Society Foundations (US$18bn) together with donations to date of US$16.8bn, ie a total of US$34.8bn. The Giving Pledges have not considered due to their non-binding nature, said the report.
Top 10 of the 2021 EdelGive Hurun Philanthropists of the Century
1. Jamsetji Tata:
From the oldest Tata group in India, JamsetJi Tata started his endowments toward social causes from the year 1892 and served primarily two of the causes i.e. education and healthcare. The total contributions by him are estimated to be at US$ 102.4 billion.
2. Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates:
Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are on the second spot with an estimated donation value of US$ 74.6 billion. The main cause served by them is healthcare as per the Hurun List.
3. Henry Wellcome:
He was an American British entrepreneur in the area of medicine and founder of pharma companyBurroughs Wellcome & Company and is among the companies which finally merged to form GlaxoSmithKline. He left a large amount for charity as per his Will which was later used to form the Wellcome Trust, one of the world's largest medical charities. His donation is estimated to be US$ 56.7 billion.
4. Howard Hughes:
He was an American who was the manufacturer, aviator as well as producer of motion picture and director. But later on in life he was known for his eccentric nature remarkably of living a life in reclusion. The major social cause addressed by him was of Research and Development.
5. Warren Buffet:
He is an ace investor known world over for his philosophies in the area of stock market investment. He has also with his donations to the tune of $US 38.6 billion addressed the cause of healthcare.
6. George Soros:
He is another billionaire investor and philanthropist who as per the list has made a charity contribution to the tune of $34.8 billion. He is widely known as a hedge fund manager. As per Investopedia, he managed the Quantum fund that achieved an average annual return of 30% from 1970 to 2000.
7. Hans Wilsdorf:
The founder of Rolex and Tudor is a well know businessman. His foundation served causes such as community development.
8. JK Lilly Sr:
Josiah Kirby Lilly Sr was an American businessman, pharmaceutical industrialist, and philanthropist who became president and chairman of the board of Eli Lilly and Company. His contributions to philanthropic deeds are estimated at $27.5 billion.
9. John D Rockefeller:
He is considered the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern time. Rockefeller established the Standard Oil Company in the year 1870.
10. Edsel Ford:
He was another American busiinessmen and President of Ford Motor company between 1919-1943.
| Rank | Original Philanthropist | Estimated Current Value of Donation (US$bn) | Start of Key Endowments | Key Person Today | Country | Main Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamsetji Tata | 102.4 | 1892 | Ratan Tata | India | Education, Healthcare |
| 2 | Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates | 74.6 | 2000 | Bill Gates & Melinda French Gates | USA | Healthcare |
| 3 | Henry Wellcome | 56.7 | 1936 | Eliza Manningham-Buller | UK | Healthcare |
| 4 | Howard Hughes | 38.6 | 1953 | Clayton S. Rose | USA | Research & Development |
| 5 | Warren Buffett | 37.4 | 2006 | Warren Buffett | USA | Healthcare |
| 6 | George Soros | 34.8 | 1979 | George Soros | USA | Human Rights & Justice |
| 7 | Hans Wilsdorf | 31.5 | 1945 | Marc Maugué | Switzerland | Community Development |
| 8 | JK Lilly Sr | 27.5 | 1937 | N. Clay Robbins | USA | Community Development |
| 9 | John D Rockefeller | 26.8 | 1913 | Sharon Percy Rockefeller | USA | Healthcare |
| 10 | Edsel Ford | 26.6 | 1936 | Darren Walker | USA | Human Rights & Justice |
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