How can I find out about the most generous philanthropists in the United States?
Several publications produce annual lists of the most generous philanthropists, according to different criteria. What you won't find in these lists, however, is personal contact information. Wealthy public figures are inundated with requests for money, and it would be an invasion of privacy to publish their phone numbers or private email address.
However, many of these individuals give to nonprofits through their own foundations. To find out if someone is affiliated with a foundation, you can look them up in Foundation Directory. Just put the name into the "Who's Who" field under Advance Search & Filters.
In addition, there are a number of subscription databases that allow you to search for high-net-worth individuals, and see to which causes they've given. This way you can see if a potential donor has any interest in funding organizations like yours, instead of just approaching wealthy people at random.
Also see our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find information on celebrity giving?
- How can I learn about researching and cultivating individual donors?
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Staff-recommended websites
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Staff pick
Forbes
America's 50 Top Givers
Forbes magazine's annual ranking of the 50 most generous philanthropists in America, based on donations made, not pledged.
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Staff pick
Big Charitable Gifts Database l The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Search this free database of charitable gifts of $1 million or more from individuals. You can sort by cause and by donation size to learn about contributions nonprofits or donors have announced publicly.
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DonorSearch
Subscription required. DonorSearch is a prospect research tool providing information on donor giving history and assets.
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Giving Pledge
A public commitment by the world's wealthiest individuals and families to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes, either in their will or during their lifetime.
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The Chronicle of Higher Education
Major Private Gifts to Higher Education - Almanac of Higher Education
Gifts of $50 million or more to colleges and universities by individuals and foundations. Compiled and maintained by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
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NozaSearch
Subscription required. Searchable database of charitable contributions, primarily from individuals.
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Inside Philanthropy
Tech Philanthropists
A list of the tech entrepreneurs who have created some of the biggest foundations in the U.S., along with individual givers. Where they give and for what causes. Maintained by Inside Philanthropy. Updated regularly .
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Staff pick
Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Philanthropy 50
Annual ranking of America's biggest donors, based primarily on gifts and pledges of cash, land, and stock to nonprofit organizations. The 2017 ranking is based on data for 2016.