In what they are calling the "giving pledge", Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffet are asking other people of wealth to donate half of their fortunes to charity. Thus far 40 U.S. families have signed the pledge beginning a campaign they hope will generate not only commitment of dollars, but of giving wisely and learning from peers.
From StarTribune:
"Buffett said he, the Gateses and others have made 70 to 80 calls to some of the nation's wealthiest individuals. [Forty wealthy families] who agreed to the pledge are from 13 states, with the most participants in California and New York... Gates and Buffett estimate their efforts could generate $600 billion dollars in charitable giving. In 2009, American philanthropies received a total of about $300 billion in donations, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy."
Full Article: "40 of the richest US families join Gates and Buffett's pledge to donate most of their money"