Charles Feeney (1931–2023) was that rare magnate for whom money seemed to burn in his hands—or, more precisely, in his bank account, “as if it were a hot potato.” Considered one of the richest men in the United States, it later became known that—quietly and in secret—he gave away everything he owned, until he had “almost” nothing left. Of the US$8 billion he donated during his lifetime, which transformed the lives of many, Feeney kept only what was necessary to face old age with dignity.
Feeney was a practical, direct and exceptionally generous man, deeply committed to peace and harmony among people. In the autumn of his life, he designed a step-by-step plan to give away his entire fortune, ensuring that after his death no family disputes would disturb the peace he valued.
“I don’t see why someone has to wait until they die to give or to help. It’s far more gratifying to witness firsthand the good one can do and to see projects and causes advance in ways that change lives,” he explained in an interview.
He spoke from experience. Philanthropy—his lifelong passion, awakened in his youth—became the central axis of his existence, the “air he needed to breathe,” giving profound meaning to his entrepreneurial work. But Feeney practiced philanthropy his own way: strictly anonymously. His approach echoed the biblical idea that good deeds should remain private, seen only by God.
When asked why he chose anonymity, he was unequivocal: “From my point of view, one shouldn’t have to explain to the world why one does what one does.”
In total, the Irish-American businessman donated US$8 billion to causes ranging from education and public health research to peace-building initiatives. He also allocated an additional US$1 billion to cover the operating costs of the organization he anonymously founded in 1982, Atlantic Philanthropies.
This entity—which ceased operations in 2020 in accordance with Feeney’s wishes—became the engine through which his substantial and steady donations were channeled. The final major disbursement took place in 2016: roughly US$7 million destined to support students at Cornell University who, alongside their academic studies, volunteered in community-service programs.
A businessman with exceptional human values
There is no comprehensive system to “measure” generosity. But broadly speaking, comparing what someone possesses to what they give allows for an estimate. By that standard, Feeney clearly ranked among the most selfless individuals on the planet—recognized as the American philanthropist who gave away the largest percentage of his wealth while still alive.
The contribution to Cornell marked the official closing of his chapter as a major philanthropist through Atlantic Philanthropies. With that final gesture, he ended decades of managing and distributing a remarkable fortune—one built through work, beginning with his role as co-founder of a pioneering duty-free retail company selling liquor, perfume and cigarettes in airport shops.
Reflecting on his life, Feeney said he did not recall a specific moment that triggered his profound commitment to giving. Instead, it emerged from reading, reflection and an internal reckoning about philanthropy.
“At a certain point, once I was already wealthy, with my wife and family, I had to sit down and seriously consider the direction of my life, the options before me with so much money at hand. I simply chose helping. I thought the best thing I could do was extend a hand to people who, for various reasons, were born into less fortunate circumstances.”
Once he made that decision, he executed it with precision and generosity, receiving in life an early reward: a constant sense of fulfillment and a deep, enduring purpose.
