Top Wealthiest Charitable Foundations

Novo Nordisk Foundation, Denmark

August Krogh, a Nobel laureate, established the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 1922 as a prime example of a foundation with a focus on social causes and scientific innovation. In addition to supporting scientific progress, humanitarian efforts, and social causes, the Foundation also invests in companies dedicated to improving health, promoting sustainability, and fighting disease. Novo Nordisk, Denmark’s largest pharmaceutical company, produces and sells insulin to treat diabetes. The foundation’s endowment, valued at approximately $70.8 billion as of December 2021, has made it one of the world’s wealthiest charitable foundations.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United States

Established in 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is known for its philanthropic work to fight poverty, disease, and injustice in the developing world. With an endowment of nearly $55.1 billion, the foundation works to improve global health, education, and access to technology. The foundation receives funding from renowned investor Warren Buffett in addition to a sizeable donation of $20 billion in Microsoft stock from its founders. Through partnerships with the public and private sectors, the foundation has made significant progress in areas such as health care, immunisation, and poverty alleviation.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, United States

Founded in the late 1940s by aviator and industrialist Howard Hughes, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is dedicated to advancing biomedical research and education. With a consolidated net asset value of approximately $27.1 billion, HHMI supports ground-breaking scientific discoveries and fosters a more inclusive scientific community. Through its funding, the Institute enables scientists and students to contribute to advances in genetics, neuroscience, and other fields. HHMI’s international programmes impact developing countries and advance knowledge and research in the basic sciences.

Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom

Founded in 1936 by pharmaceutical entrepreneur Sir Henry Wellcome, the Wellcome Trust is committed to using the power of science to improve global health and well-being. With an investment portfolio of approximately $46.4 billion, the Trust funds research institutes and individual researchers around the world. It believes in collaborative scientific research across health science disciplines as the key to a healthier, happier world. The Wellcome Trust focuses on tackling major health issues, including mental health, infectious diseases, and climate change. By partnering with researchers and institutions, the Trust drives advances in medicine and promotes a deeper understanding of health challenges.