In May 2025, New York (the United States of America, USA)-based TIME magazine, the 102-year-old global media brand, has released the inaugural edition of “TIME 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025”. Mukesh Ambani , Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and his wife Nita Ambani; Azim Premji, former chairman of WIPRO Limited and Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder of Zerodha are among other Indians featured on the list.
- Michael Bloomberg, co-founder, CEO of Bloomberg LP, was named the largest individual donor of 2024, contributing USD 3.7 billion to various causes, including a USD1 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University to make medical education more accessible.
- Some of the prominent global figures on the list: David Beckham (Titans), former British football player, entrepreneur and philanthropist; American entrepreneur and TV personality Oprah Winfrey (Titans) recognised for her work in female education; Melinda French Gates (Titans) co-founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others from 28 countries across the world.
About TIME 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy List:
i.The list featured individuals who have made significant contributions through charity, funding, and policy reform.
ii.The 1st –ever list recognizing philanthropic contributions was spearheaded by Ayesha Javed, senior editor at TIME based in the London (the United Kingdom, UK) bureau.
iii.The list has categorised the influential people in philanthropy into 4 different categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers and Innovators.
iv.The list was presented by signature partner The Art of Living Foundation and supporting partners Cessna owned by Kansas(the United States of America, USA) based Textron Aviation Inc. and Armonk, New York (USA)-based International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).
Highlights of TIME100 Philanthropy 2025 List:
Indians on the List:
1.Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani:
Both Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, placed in ‘Titans’ category. As per the TIME’s list, the couple donated a total Rs 407 crore (about USD 48 million) in 2024, which placed them among India’s biggest donors.
2.Azim Premji:
i.Azim Premji, who is famously known as one of India’s most generous philanthropists, was placed in ‘Titans’ category in recognition of his philanthropy work specially in elevating India’s public education system.
ii.In 2013, Premji became the 1st Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth for philanthropy work.
- Under the Giving Pledge initiative, he endowed the foundation launched by him nearly 25 years ago with over USD 29 billion in shares from WIPRO.
3.Nikhil Kamath:
i.Nikhil Kamath at the age of 36, became the youngest Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, was recognized in ‘Trailblazers List’.
ii.He started the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP) campaign, which asks for commitment from Indians under the age of 45 with fortunes more than USD 100 million to donate at least 25% of their wealth.
- So far, USD 8 million has been raised through the YIPP campaign, to fund projects like: upgrading 300 schools with better computers, career counseling, and other services.
Indian-Origin on the List:
i.Indian American journalist and author Anand Giridharadas has made to TIME’s Philanthropy list for 2025. He was placed in ‘Innovator category’ in recognition of his influential critique of elite philanthropy and his continued advocacy for systematic reform in wealth redistribution.
ii.Indian-origin Malaysian Reeta Roy, who is currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mastercard Foundation, richest foundation in Canada, was placed in ‘Leaders’ category
Prominent Global Figures:
i.Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales was placed in “Innovators” category for their efforts in tackling homelessness and rural mental health through their ‘Royal Foundation’.
- In 2020, Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award which recognizes individuals for their innovative solutions to climate change.
ii.Jack Ma, China’s first self-made tech giant and founder of Alibaba, Asia’s most valuable company, was placed in “Leaders” category.
- TIME magazine has recognised Jack Ma philanthropy work done by his Jack Ma Foundation (2014) which focuses its efforts on education, entrepreneurship, medical and environmental protection, and womens’ leadership programs.
iii.American Billionaire Warren Buffet, CEO and chair of Berkshire Hathaway was recognised in ‘Titans’ category. His philanthropy work was mainly focused on education, agriculture, and anti-poverty programs.
- He co-founded the Giving Pledge in 2010, along with Bill and Melinda French Gates.
- In 2024, he gave away over USD 1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway to 4 of his family’s foundation, which has provided scholarships to college students.
About TIME Magazine:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Jessica Sibley
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
Founded– 1923
