If you were set to donate and or give away over 30 billion dollars how would you go about it?

Question

Financier Warren Buffet, has said that he will be donating 85% of his over 40 billion dollar fortune in July. News sources are saying that he will be donating the majority of the money to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the form of shares of stock.

How would you donate the funds if this were you? Would you give it to individuals to stimulate the economy? If you gave it to individuals who would you give the money to? How would you decide who got the money?

If you decided to donate it in one large or multiple large sums to major charitable organizations, which organizations and why?

Answer 1

well i think i would split it, i would find a few needy families and make there day, then i would LOVE to open up a functional orphanage for children it would have everything a homeless child would need right down to a doctor on staff....

Answer 2

If I had the kind of money Warren has, I would donate it to my favorite charities, just like he is doing. What good would it do humanity to give small amounts of money to individuals when billions could help find the cure for major illnesses? There is so much illness and disease on earth that maybe, just maybe, this will help find answers to some of the most dire diseases.

Answer 3

I would donate 10 billion to Teen Force, to buy land and have a huge building built(one in Canada and one in the US) and to fully staff and furnish them, so that the Teen Centers could become a reality.

Then I would buy a HUGE farm and put a huge fence in, then adopt every animal at 5 or 6 animal shelters. Then I'd hire 5 or 6 people to help me and my kids take care of all the animals. I'd want the animals to live out their lives with lots and lots of room to run and play and never have to worry about not having enough food and water to eat/drink or enough toys to play with. I'd also have it set up so that everytime an animal was going to be put down because no one would adopt it, that they would bring it to me instead.

And I'd use some of the money to also pay for anyone who needed help paying for their pets being spayed/neutered.

Can you tell that I love animals?

Answer 4

I'd like to see a society dedicated to providing 'seed money' for people who have an idea but no capital to pursue it. Ideally, the society would be self-perpetuating through the efforts of those who succeed due to that seed money donation. I think that would be a practical way to actually eliminate poverty from the planet.

Answer 5

In order to give away 30 billion dollars, my assests for the year would have HAD to be 300 billion dollars unless the donated amount exceeds the Internal Revenue Service limits on persons and or corporate contributions. So, in order to best distribute the monies, it would be prudent and sensible to determine which organizations that accept contributions are using their current receipts the most efficiently. Or, perhaps the monies could be used to hire efficiency experts be hired to streamline the organizations that are not running as efficiently.

Unlike the U.S. Patent Office or the U.S. Copyright Office which enables individuals and corporations to obtain exclusive use of intellectual materials, those who have formulated new non-profit organizations are limited within the confines of the law which require a substantial income be deposited into escrow for use by those who are placed into official positions, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc...which causes some non-profit organizations to not reach fruition. To allocate the amount of monies in question is something of a daunting task.

The organization recently advertised as ninemillion dot org mentioned the need for individuals to have a way to feel good about themselves by use of a 'ball'. Yep, a small air-filled ball such as that found at discount stores for one dollar apiece. They could feasibly be obtained at wholesale for a reduced price...most stores have 100 percent markup on cost so it could be probably obtained for 50 cent apiece...putting the total price on the items at 4.5 million instead of 9 million. I would contact the ninemillion dot org organization and authorize the purchase of the items requested. Pending inspection of the items and shipping costs associated with expeditious delivery, I would provide the means to meet their request.

That leaves somewhere between 29 and 29.5 million to allocate. Depending upon the area in which one lives, a non-profit organization may be developed for a range of 70,000 per year to 300,000 per year (it is based upon the average monies earned by those within the geographical area in which it is contrivied and established). In other words the President of the non-profit organization should make about the same amount as anyone else within the community for the same position. Now, personally, I object to this standard; however, I do not intend to overthrow the existing system. Surfice to say, that is 'how it is' with non-profit organizations.

There is a need for a national resource in the way of an independent laboratory for forensic comparison testing that is available to the public. There is a legal rule that requires law enforcement officials to witness or have substantial evidence of a violent crime in order to process suspect subject matter. I once had a suspect 'beverage' that I telephone the sheriff's office about. An officer arrived and explained that he could not simply have the beverage 'tested' for me. I feel that a citizen of the United States should have access (for a fee) testing procedures to validate a suspicion or to invalidate a suspicion. If I am willing to pay to have an item tested, there should be an organization to perform an objective test or test series. One would think that such a place already exists; I have yet to find it ... if it does. Consider the matter of DNA testing. Why not enable a person to quietly and/or openly acquire samples for testing to determine parentage. Sometimes hospitals are so busy that children could be unintentionally 'mixed' in the nursery or maternity ward. They once were sprited away as soon as possible without allowing the mother a glimpse before 'clean up'. That would be a much needed worthwhile 'gift' to humanity. It would enable attorneys to determine the viability of evidence prior to accepting a case for a potential plantiff. It would separate the chaf from the wheat, so to speak. Collection methods would be taught online with supplies available as another facet of the organization. This would take a large amount of money, as well as, staffing with clinically minded persons who are nonobligated and free of burdens associated with temptations of deception or bribe.

On the same note yet different, a nationwide program that provides a one day workshop to each of the 3,127 (+/- 10) counties in the United States law enforcement offices to teach new equipment, techniques, and methods to ensure that they are able to perform to the best of their ability within the workforce. Public speakers who happen to be expert in law enforcement procedures would be ideal to hire and deliver motivational speeches that create a sense of worth and purpose to those whose work it is to protect the citizens of a specific jurisdiction. One hundred speakers all taught the avant garde of the industry could theorethically cover the nation within 6 months. Books for review could be provided or available to reference the new (or old) material. A basic review of procedures could be included to help them feel a sense of confidence in the way matter are handled when dealing with criminals or suspects. It could easily cost a million to do this one.

I am concerned with the care of the aged; elder care is increasingly needed due to the 'baby boomers' beginning the approach of retirement age. The long term nursing facilities that were popularized decades ago are no longer suitable for those who enjoy life at a faster pace than most nurses can accept of them and feel adequately paid. I feel that assessments are needed in this area to address the sudden impact of need for safe, clean, relaxed environments in which one's basic and higher needs are provided for. Give them a ball, too. They may enjoy having it whether they use it or not. Having worked in facilities that seemed more administratively aligned than people care aligned, I just feel that those who have attained their age should be given the respect and dignity that one would give anyone else. Perhaps standards should be reassessed to determine what our current needs are in comparison with those of a generation ago. My great-grandmother lived with us in our childhood home until we (children) left home. She died while I was away at college learning something of the nursing profession. If I had stayed home instead of trying (unsuccessfully) to attain a higher designation in life, I could have administered life saving techniqes that were taught to me as a mere nurses' aide (technician). She had sustained a broken hip, used a walker to ambulate with, lost her sight, could not hear well, and yet she remained the most respected person in the household for the ideals that she instilled in us for cleaner minds and thoughts of others. That was indeed a god gift in itself. I am grateful for the years that I had her to confide in and consult in matters that required sober thought. I would like to see a care facility available in each community to accommodate those who wish to maintain their own lifestyle; yet, with access to medical care as needed to ensure that they receive reminders or prompts to take their medication. You know, in nursing school, the body of thought, to say, the principles behind the role of a nurse is to 'nurse one back to a level of independent living capability'. I have found that rarely are those principles present in long term care facilities. It is usually viewed as a great sacrifice to the family as they want to claim all their current possessions (including homes, vehicles, and anything else accumulated to pay for the services in advance of care). The Social Security System is responsible for the rest. However, there is a discrepancy within this industry that is not tolerated in other agencies. They allow each patient an allowance (usually $25 per month or depending upon an agreement struck with administrative officials on the day of acceptance for admission). Now, for comparison, if two people went into a fast food franchise and ordered 'french fries', one person would be charged $1.00 and offered ketchup (this person worked for minimum wage or a little better during his life) and the other person is charged $1,000.00 and offered ketchup (this person earned substantially more than the first). The 'french fries' are each from the same vat, both orders contain the same amount of fat (more or less), and ketchup is provided upon request. The current system does not seem fair in a nation whose purpose is to provide equality for people. Needless to say the value of the combined orders of french fries did exceed their worth. The $500.50 per averaged order seems extravagant -- to say the least. I want to keep them busy, I want them to find ways to be of further use to society, their families, and themselves. I believe that an organization structued similarly to the Junior Achievement organization for Senior Citizens would be a fun way to encourage them to stay active, alert, and able to feel good about themselves and their efforts. If elephants can paint, why can't grandpa? His great-grandchildren may enjoy hanging his work on their office walls someday. [Abstracts accepted!]

A would spend money to develop programs for teaching and integrating the legal system into our classrooms for elementary and secondary grade levels. It seems that waiting for them to reach college level prior to access to these courses is a great oversight within the content of our public education systems. The schools leave it to the parents; and, the parents leave it to the schools. Until they grow up without a clue as to 'what to do' or worse ' what not to do', everyone presumes that someone else was responsible for helping them to learn enough to avoid legal snaffous. That puberty stage getting there, being there, and beyond is complicated enough; but, learning what it means to be responsible along the way should be introduced much earlier than it currently is. How can we expect our children to honor their parents with good behavior when basic legal aspects were withheld due to limits within the time allowed for teaching being consumed by reading, writing, arthimetic, and other various preparatory courses. Each jurisdiction's rules, regulations, and laws should be introduced to children before they innocently violate them. It could follow a progressive comprehension ability. In other words, teaching legal aspects that requires 'reasoning skills' should not be introduced before the age at which an average person attains that ability (age 12); however, most children do learn to abide what is taught to them by their teachers in the way of school protocol. It could be as simple as finding analogies that apply to society, as well. Lining up outside before entering a building could be a topic of discussion or lecture about 'waiting in line' rules in public...at grocers, theatres, and other places where proper etiquette is required for order and peace in crowded situations. For high school learning the comparison between 'being somewhere other than one's assigned place' could be similar to someone being stopped and screened by officials when visiting an area unexpectedly. Accountability for person is the lesson in this one.

I have voiced a request that each student be encouraged to attain at least one piece of intellectual property prior to graduation from high school. That they have evidence of individual creative ability, in hand, along with their diplomas. The teaching of students that even their fingerpaintings in Kindergarten could feasibly be registered with the United States Copyright Office for a fee of $30 (soon to be $45) per registration and acceptance. Some children could feasibly prosper in self-esteem if not actual monetary gain. Compilations could be made and retained by the school systems for future sale to the benefit of the class whose work was prized. This could help with ventures such as class trips and visits to artisically enriching museums and theatres.

As pro bono activities within a community, I suggest that attorney organizations and corporations work toward offering sound legal advice to small businesses that need answers to questions regarding the establishment of corporate entities and other legal issues. It is actually a simple system that is always dodged during the small business workshops that I have attended due to the person providing lecture NOT being a lawyer, themselves.
I feel that it is as needed as free representation because some people are often unable to consider forming a higher business structure than entrepreneurial or partnership from 'fear' of the legal costs involved. The costs are not as great as their fear of the costs. Perhaps something that a retired judge would be interested in pursuing to while away the time once freed from the necessity to report for duty.

Providing incentives for good grades and attendance through the provision of field trips to students who reach a particular level of achievement each 6 weeks would improve children in their understanding of the world via travel. This would also promote language development initiatives through the development of skills and proficiencies attained while 'being good students.'

For the colleges that offer satellite campuses with most of the best courses only being available at the original campus, I would purchase them small coaches to afford public transportation to the other campuses since transportation considerations and personal safety are concerns for students who need courses and are otherwise unable to accept the risk involved with obtaining them -- at a distance greater than that of the satellite campus. Enhances education via transportation provision gratis or for a modest fee. The proverbial Education Express...

Well, I have gone through quite a bit of money without leaving home. Of the other 240 countries in the world, some of whom have yet to develop infrastructures for a basic community such as water lines and sewage treatment facilities, accessibility to hydroelectric power or even wind provided electricity harnessing, I am of the mind set of visit and obtain a request list for whatever they believe that they need in order to learn to provide for themselves with their existing resources. If their land is barren due to famine or overuse, teach them how to make compost and provide some fertilizer or teach them to manufacture fertilizer to enhance and restore the ability to grow foods to feed themselves. The seed companies could feasibly contribute 'last years seeds' at a reduced price or gratis and write off the contribution. Lists of names and seeds could be obtained to keep track of the recipients and the 'reward' would be in the value given to the best 'garden' and additional seeds provided as a monetary exchange unit. I mean honestly, some countries depend so much on the skills of those who weave or work for recognition rather than 'dollars'. Position within some tribes are based merely on their ability to provide for the others. To offer them currency without an opportunity to learn of the monetary system that it comes from is of little or no value. If presented with a person in exchange for the seeds, teach them the skill to distribute the valued item and leave them there in charge of it. Give them authority to act as the intermediary agent and trust that they will be fair and honest in the distribution of them.

Anyway, I believe that these are some worthwhile things to do with any philantrophist's money. Personally speaking, I am considering sponsorship of a Junior Achievement Organization for the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Cost: $150,000 (5 years ago). I haven't contacted them about it lately because we don't have that much in our bank account to apply toward development of it. This is a long-standing personal goal so I will simply try to extend myself to request of those who may be interested in helping to provide business incentives in the way of academic presentations. I believe that there are older people who would appreciate equally or more so the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies taught in JA that would be resentful of such being given to children who may or may not understand the significance of it.

That should be enough to kind of get things going good...touch base with me again if it isn't all spent so that I may strain my brain to develop new strategies for spending the funds.

Also, not related but equally worth mention is the development of manikins to be used within the Science Departments of secondary and post-secondary institutions that will simulate a human cadaver for purposes of teaching and labeling of parts. Some Anatomy and Physiology Departments at Universities use fetal pigs, domesticated cats, ox eyes and lamb brains to teach Nursing and or Medical students the basic similarities of these and man. Honestly, I would prefer that my doctors and registered nurses could practice on something less 'organic' and more humanoid in appearance. This would take extensive research and technology development to design and build; however, I believe that there would be an immediate market for such an item. It could be diversified with cultural and ethnic differences for further comparison and satisfaction of pupil (student).

Building a Better World One Billion at a Time....