Charles “Chuck” Feeney became one of the world’s most influential examples of “Giving While Living”—the belief that philanthropists can achieve greater impact by putting their wealth to work during their lifetimes rather than leaving it for future generations.
Through Atlantic Philanthropies, Feeney quietly gave away more than $8 billion, supporting causes ranging from education and health to human rights and social change. Just as importantly, he challenged other philanthropists to rethink the purpose of wealth and the value of seeing the results of their giving firsthand.
The articles below, published both during Feeney’s lifetime and following his death in 2023, explore his extraordinary approach to philanthropy, the completion of his remarkable spend-down journey, and the enduring legacy of a man who lived by a simple idea: give generously, give thoughtfully, and give while you can.
The Atlantic Philanthropies – Atlantic Insights. For Chuck Feeney, it’s simple. The joy of giving generously to help others and seeing the results is what drove him to transfer the vast majority of his fortune to The Atlantic Philanthropies in 1984. Giving While Living is an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy by which you actively devote your money, skills and time to make a difference sooner rather than later. You can learn and make adjustments to get the biggest bang–and impact–for your buck.
Forbes, September 15, 2020. It took decades, but Chuck Feeney, the former billionaire cofounder of retail giant Duty Free Shoppers has finally given all his money away to charity. He has nothing left now—and he couldn’t be happier.
New York Times – October 11, 2023. Charles F. Feeney, a pioneer of duty-free shops and a shrewd investor in technology start-ups who gave away nearly all of his $8 billion fortune to charity, much of it as quietly as he had made it, died on Monday in San Francisco. He was 92. After piling up billions in business, he pledged to donate almost all of his money to causes before he died. He succeeded, and then lived a more modest life.
NPR – October 14, 2023. Charles Feeney wore a $10 watch, took the bus and subway, flew coach, and lived for decades in a rented a two-bedroom apartment with his wife. By the time he died this week at the age of 92, he had given away $8 billion.
The Wall Street Journal – October 9, 2023. What’s a billionaire to do if he doesn’t want yachts or mansions, is disinclined to spend more than $15 on a watch and is satisfied with economy class even on long flights?
Washington Post – October 10, 2023. For decades, the former duty-free tycoon donated nearly $8 billion to humanitarian efforts and institutions. He tried to keep it all secret.
Forbes – October 9, 2023. Charles “Chuck” Feeney, who cofounded retailer Duty Free Shoppers, became a billionaire and donated much of his fortune anonymously—leading Forbes to dub him the James Bond of philanthropy—has died at age 92, according to his charitable foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies. Over his lifetime, Feeney made more than $8 billion in grants in a handful of countries, supporting education, health, equity and more.