ws logo Saturday, 28 December 2024

The Global Wealth and Society programme seeks to identify the important role that the privileged have towards their respective society. In building this programme, we measure wealth, not by the amount of financial assets individuals amass but by the positive impact they create on society through sustainable projects. Projects that are close to their hearts and which they believe to affect their immediate society in a deep and profound manner.

Based on this philosophy of contribution and giving back to the society, we identify these individuals as “Champions of Philanthropy” as part of our Global Wealth and Society Awards Programme.

Over the next few weeks until early October, our research team will be adding new names to the list and will be reaching out to them as part of the awards evaluation process.

The list below profiles selected Champions and their shortlisted projects across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East . In doing so, the list also tracks the way they are investing and deploying their wealth to bring about positive impacts on the society that they operate in.

Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber

Founder, Sole patron and Chairman of the MBI Al Jaber Foundation - United Arab Emirates


The MBI Al Jaber Foundation helps the next generation of talent from the Arab world gain the freedom and opportunity to shape their future and that of their community, country and region. In addition, the MBI Al Jaber Foundation seeks to bring people together from a diverse range of countries and cultures, in order to promote cultural dialogue and exchange. We want to contribute to an age of mutual understanding, where global misconceptions about the people of the Arab world are a thing of the past.

Sawiris family

Founder of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development - Egypt


Sawiris Foundation for Social Development contribute to Egypt's development, create sustainable job opportunities, and empower citizens to build productive lives that realize their full potential. Its activities include: creating projects that provide job opportunities for Egyptians; training particularly in economic sectors and professions that are not adequately available in the Egyptian market; placement of qualified Egyptians in the job market; scholarships in various colleges and universities.

Lisa Genasci

Founder and CEO of ADM Capital Foundation - Hong Kong


The ADM Capital Foundation (ADMCF) is a philanthropic foundation established in 2006 by investment manager ADM Capital. It works to address environmental and social challenges across Asia. Through research, they identify environmental challenges then work towards solutions across five key areas: marine ecology, water security, air quality, wildlife trade, and forestry conservation finance.

Brenninkmeijer family

Founder Porticus Foundation - Netherlands


Porticus is the international organisation that manages and develops the philanthropic programmes of charitable entities. In collaboration with partners around the globe to foster human dignity, social justice and sustainability. Working within Porticus’ strategic themes of education, society, faith and care, as well as in the field of economic development and climate change, aims to contribute to systemic social change by combining thematic expertise with grassroots networks all over the world. Every year, approximately 2,000 projects are supported in almost 90 countries around the world.

Steve Case (Chairman) and Jean Case (CEO)

Founder the Case Foundation - American Samoa


The Case Foundation is a diverse and dynamic institution by design. They create programs and invest in people and organizations that embrace the Be Fearless principles and harness the best impulses of entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and collaboration to drive exponential impact. They believe the world needs more fearless approaches to social change, so we take risks on new ideas and approaches, and partner across sectors with people and organizations that?share their fervor to engage citizens and change the world for the better, today. They don’t limit themselves to any one sector or issue but instead?let a set of core values drive all of their ventures. Revenue is 2015 were recorded at $4,000,652.

Matthew Pohlson (CEO) and Ryan Cummins (Vice Chairman)

Founded Omaze - American Samoa


Omaze, is the online fundraising platform that's reinventing charitable giving by making it fun and easy for everyone. Everything at Omaze connects influencers, nonprofits and donors to support incredible causes. In that way, the company helps charities to raise more funds and awareness, so they can create greater impact than they ever have before. The company has raised over $60 million for over 200 charities, including UNICEF, After-School All-Stars, Julia's House, Product Red, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

B.R. Shetty

Co-Founder Dr. BR and CR Shetty Foundation - India


BR and CR Shetty Foundation is a registered non-profit, non-political, non-religious charitable trust that aims to support underprivileged people in the areas of education, health, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment. 

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Founder Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education - United Arab Emirates


Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education create opportunities to activate the untapped potential of Arab youth, providing underserved, high-achieving students with the scholarships, support and skills training that they need to thrive. They imagine a world where the scholars become leaders in their communities and ambassadors of education in the region. They aim to reignite what is already in the region’s DNA: a culture of giving back, a connectedness to community, and a spirit of generosity that creates impact

Bahia Bahaeddine Hariri

Sister of the Founder Hariri Foundation (Prime Minister Rafic Hariri) - Lebanon


Hariri Foundation is a major education and charitable institution. Bahia is the president of the administrative council of the foundation for Sustainable Human Development. The foundation operates with the aim to rehabilitate the city’s scientific, educational and cultural contexts on the basis of national harmony, coexistence, and reaffirmation of Saida’s national convictions when building a capable and impartial nation.

Othman Benjelloun

Founder of Fondation BMCE Bank - Morocco


Foundation BMCE Bank aims to develop and increase the educational levels in the country through assessing students, supervise teachers, developing an educational programs, and building schools. It is also engaged in promoting awareness on environmental protection. Furthermore, BMCE Bank, where Benjelloun serves as Chairman and CEO, donates 4% of its annual gross operating income to Fondation BMC Bank. In 2015, Benjelloun also bought a 1970 Mercedes-Benz convertible in a charity auction that supports cancer patients. In addition, Benjelloun is a Member and Director at Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, and a Member at Synergos. He does not appear to have a family foundation.