Chuck Feeney
Chuck Feeney
Charles Francis "Chuck" Feeney is an Irish-American businessman and philanthropist and the founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies, one of the largest private foundations in the world. He made his fortune as a co-founder, with Robert Warren Miller, of the Duty Free Shoppers Group. The concept of "duty-free shopping"—offering high-end concessions to travelers, free of import taxes—was in its infancy when, along with Miller, Feeney founded DFS on November 7, 1960. DFS began operations in Hong Kong, later expanding to Europe...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBusinessman
Date of Birth23 April 1931
CountryUnited States of America
On why he has donated $600 million to selected charities. I simply decided I had enough money.
I became convinced that there was greater satisfaction from giving my money away and seeing something come out of the ground, like a hospital or a university.
People who have money have an obligation. I wouldn't say I'm entitled to tell them what to do with it but to use it wisely.
I'd be the last guy to tell a wealthy person what to do with their money. They're entitled to do whatever they want.
I don't dislike money, but there's only so much money you can use.
A lot of wealthy people, they don't realize they have the alternatives of spending the money for good.
I suppose in the back of my mind I was always one of those guys who had a disdain for money. It had a value if you wanted to buy something, but if you didn't want to buy something, you didn't need it.
It is logical for a U.S. person to give their money away while they are alive, as the government will take it from you when you die in taxes.
There are restaurants you can go in and pay $100 a person for a meal. I get as much satisfaction out of paying $25.
They decided as part of my 75th birthday celebrations that I would be entitled to fly first class. I'll be honest, I'm not good at flying anymore. To my credit, I can stretch out on two coach seats.
When you've got the money, you spend it. When you've spent it all, let someone else get going and spend theirs.
I believe strongly in 'giving while living.' I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today.
I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living.... Interventions have greater value and impact today than if they are delayed.
I set out to work hard, not to get rich.