The next generation of Warren Buffett’s children, Susie, Howard, and Peter Buffett, have quietly carried on their father’s legacy of philanthropy, giving away over $15 billion through their foundations since 2006. Now entrusted to donate the rest of their father’s fortune after his death, they are poised to become one of the largest donors in the country, with an estimated $144 billion to be given away in the next 10 years. While they have supported different causes, their foundations share characteristics such as operating with small staffs and taking risks to confront challenging issues.
The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after Warren Buffett’s first wife, has donated $8.4 billion mainly to reproductive health care organizations. It funds access to abortion and contraception, granting millions to Planned Parenthood affiliates, the National Abortion Federation, and Population Services International. However, the foundation has faced criticism for its lack of transparency in funding allocation, with concerns that connections play a role in who gets funded. Susie Buffett’s ex-husband, Allen Greenberg, serves as president of the foundation, while Susie Buffett is the board chair and Peter Buffett is a board member.
Susie Buffett’s Sherwood Foundation has focused on early childhood education in the U.S., providing funding for research, advocacy, training, and support for child care providers. The foundation has operated on a trust-based philanthropy model, offering “no strings attached” funding without annual applications or reports. Howard Buffett’s foundation supports food security and conflict mitigation internationally, partnering with organizations like Catholic Relief Services to address rural migration factors in Central America. Howard Buffett has also responded to global crises, such as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine following the 2022 invasion by Russia.
Peter Buffett and his wife, Jennifer, through the NoVo Foundation, have previously focused on supporting girls worldwide and promoting social-emotional learning in schools. However, in 2020, they made a strategic shift, reducing funding for girls’ rights and gender-based violence initiatives. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some feeling betrayed by the change in focus. The foundation has since increased support for Native American organizations, with Peter Buffett’s interest in sustainable, local communities reflected in projects such as a community farm and radio station near their home in Kingston, New York.
Overall, the next generation of Buffetts is set to make a significant impact in philanthropy, continuing their father’s legacy of giving. Through their foundations, they have supported a diverse range of causes, from reproductive health care to early childhood education and food security. While their approaches may vary, the common thread among them is a commitment to addressing complex issues and taking risks to create meaningful change. As they navigate the responsibility of distributing billions of dollars in donations, the next generation of Buffetts is poised to leave a lasting impact on the philanthropic landscape.
