Since his recent pledge to offer most of his $124 billion fortune to charity, the Amazon founder has just awarded grants as part of his Bezos Day 1 Families Fund project.
A report by CNN states, “The latest charitable donations come one week after Bezos sat down in an exclusive interview with CNN and said he plans to donate the majority of his $124 billion net worth during his lifetime. He said he will devote the bulk of his fortune to fighting climate change and supporting people who can unify humanity in the face of deep social and political divisions.”
In addition, according to the same article, “That marked the first time the billionaire announced plans to give away most of his money. Critics have previously chided Bezos for not signing the Giving Pledge, a promise signed by hundreds of the world’s richest people to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.”
CNN also wrote that: “Last week Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sánchez, also made headlines for honoring Dolly Parton with their Courage & Civility Award, which comes with a $100 million grant to Parton to use towards her philanthropic efforts.
In an Instagram post, Bezos announced: This year’s Bezos Day 1 Families Fund grants go to 40 incredible groups working to end homelessness in the U.S. In five years, we’ve given more than $500 million to 167 orgs – helping expand their support of families in need. Honored to support these groups.
READ ALSO: New Pledge: Jeff Bezos To Donate Most Of His $124B Fortune To Charity
According to the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund website: “The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside.
Since 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has issued 170 leadership awards totaling $521.6 million to organizations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
We are excited to announce the fifth annual Day 1 Families Fund leadership awards. These 40 recipients from 26 states and Puerto Rico will receive immediate donations totaling $123.45 million to continue their compassionate, needle-moving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing with the services they require to achieve stability.”
You can view the list of the 2022 Day 1 Families Fund Awardees here.
Banner photo via Instagram @jeffbezos.
