Meet the billionaire couple who not only signed the Giving Pledge, but actually made it happen, giving away nearly half of their fortune while they were alive

From well-known Wall Street energy trader to philanthropist, John Arnold began his career trading natural gas at Enron and later managed the hedge fund, Centaurus Partners. By 2012, he had retired and focused entirely on philanthropy at the age of 38.

The Arnolds have donated 2 billion dollars So far, and more than $204 million in 2024, according to Forbes. Their net worth currently stands at about $2.9 billion, meaning their donations amount to about 42% of their wealth.

In addition, John Arnold received a Forbes philanthropy score of 5 out of 5. The score is based on those who have donated more than 20% of their wealth.

Since launching their Arnold Ventures foundation in 2008, their philanthropic efforts have expanded to include 150 employees across their offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Houston.

How does Arnold donate?

John and Laura Arnolds’ approach to giving is data-driven, aims to deliver real, measurable results from what they give, and has a primary focus on research. Their efforts span a variety of public policy issues, including health care, higher education, criminal justice, infrastructure, and more.

By focusing on research and measurable outcomes, their philanthropy also reflects a broader belief that wealth should be used for real – not preserved for future generations. In fact, John Arnold had previously indicated that the Arnold family would have no hereditary basis After their death.

Recently, Arnold Ventures joined with the American Institute of Boys and Men to issue a call for new research on the long-term consequences of online sports betting as states continue to legalize the practice.

The era of giving

Launched in 2010 by Bill and Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, the Giving Pledge initiative calls on the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to publicly commit to donating at least 50% of their wealth to charity, either during their lifetime or in their will.

Signatories include Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott (but not Jeff Bezos), Michael Bloomberg, Elon Musk, George Lucas, and Mark Zuckerberg.

Although hundreds of billionaires have signed the Giving Pledge, they have not necessarily followed through. The Pledge is a moral commitment rather than a legally binding contract, with participants signing an open letter explaining their reasons for pledging. They can choose causes and charities to support.

Institute for Policy Studies 2025 report, Giving Pledge On 15, It highlights that Laura and John were the only participants technically in compliance with the pledge since signing in 2010.

“The Arnolds are to be commended, as they have boldly decided to donate and examine how philanthropy can move money abroad rather than lock up wealth. They are among the most important players in the Giving Pledge category when it comes to driving true philanthropic reform,” said report co-author Bella Devane. luck In an interview.

Of the 22 deceased American pledges, only eight fulfilled their pledges before death – and only one, Chuck Feeney, gave away his entire fortune while alive.

Moreover, of the 57 American signatories in 2010, 32 remain billionaires, with their net worth increasing nearly 300% since signing. Only 11 of the original group are no longer billionaires, but that’s mainly because their net worth has declined, not because they gave it away.

“Wealth is accumulating incredibly quickly for the richest people in America,” Devan added. The Giving Pledge is one of the few public commitments they make in lieu of stronger federal regulation or taxes, so fulfilling it is really important.

John Arnold recently motive Pledge to give on X After a Luck report About Peter Thiel saying he encouraged Elon Musk to ditch it over concerns about donating his fortune to “left-wing non-profits.”

“Multi-billion-dollar fortunes, whether in ones, tens, or hundreds, have the potential to be leveraged enormously,” Arnold wrote. “I’m not going to offer unsolicited advice on what I think someone should do with their money. I would just suggest that knowing what to do with that money in a productive way can be just as important as trying to earn more.”