When billionaires say they "give it all", what does that really mean?
Has the wealth truly disappeared… or is it simply being transferred to a family foundation?
Are tax breaks and estate planning the real objective, while control remains within the family?
If children sit on the board, receive salaries, and influence investments, is this philanthropy or simply wealth in a new package?
And if only a fraction is to be distributed each year, while the rest accumulates, are we witnessing generosity… or strategy?
So the real question: is billionaire philanthropy an unselfish gift, or a smart restructuring with better public relations?
In most cases, the money doesn’t disappear; it’s transferred to family foundations. These structures offer significant tax breaks and allow you to avoid inheritance tax. But here’s the catch:
The family often controls the board of directors and the spending.
Children can receive salaries and benefits under the guise of “charitable activities.”
The foundations only have to distribute a portion each year, with the rest earning interest, often invested in projects that ultimately benefit the family.
It’s not so much about relinquishing one’s assets as it is about enhancing their value by giving them a philanthropic image.
From this perspective, philanthropy isn’t an end in itself. It’s a carefully crafted strategy to exert influence, control, and leave a legacy.