In the world of big money and even bigger ideas, few stories are as riveting as that of Carrie Tuna and her husband, Dustin Moskowitz, co-founder of Facebook. This philanthropic power couple is on a mission to give away a whopping $20 billion fortune, changing lives and tackling global issues. While most people might be worried about the next yacht cruise or luxury car, Tuna and Moskowitz see the world through a much different lens: they’re eager to use their wealth for good, and they want to do it quickly.
The couple, both in their early forties, firmly believes that the right approach to philanthropy can create lasting change. Tuna, in particular, is focusing her efforts on the potential dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). She likens AI to nuclear energy: both fields have enormous power and potential, but without careful regulation, they can lead to catastrophic results. Tuna argues that thoughtful regulation could have paved the way for safer innovation and more progress in mitigating pressing issues like climate change. It sounds like a big task, but Tuna and Moskowitz are rising to the occasion!
Their journey into the world of philanthropy began with a commitment to reduce AI risks. This venture kicked off about a decade ago when they donated $1 million to the Future of Life Institute. They didn’t stop there. A generous $30 million gift to OpenAI’s nonprofit in 2017 further cemented their dedication to safe AI development. They even invested in another startup, Anthropic, which is focused on creating responsible AI models designed to benefit humanity as a whole. The couple ensures that they have taken measures to avoid any clash of interests by moving their stake in Anthropic to a nonprofit vehicle. Now, all profits can go back to their philanthropic efforts.
However, their focus isn’t solely on AI. The couple’s philanthropic portfolio also includes substantial donations to tackle global health issues–think malaria, vitamin A deficiency, and access to clean water. With the backdrop of funding cuts from the Trump administration, Tuna and Moskowitz’s generosity has become even more urgent. They’ve already donated over $4 billion, including $600 million just in the latest fiscal year. As their wealth continues to grow, the couple finds themselves in a race to give away their fortune while still ensuring it makes the maximum impact.
Leading this charge, Tuna has been the driving force behind their philanthropic endeavors since 2011, while Moskowitz busily built his tech startup, Asana. Nearly all of their charitable contributions flow through their foundation, Good Ventures, and other donor-advised funds. The couple has also spun off a group called Open Philanthropy, which has recently rebranded as Coefficient Giving. This shift emphasizes a collaborative, multi-donor approach to giving, aiming to bolster charitable donations’ effectiveness. After all, what’s better than a billionaire helping others? A whole bunch of billionaires joining in!
Notable tech figures have also joined Tuna and Moskowitz’s philanthropic ride, including Stripe’s co-founder and Larry Page’s wife, who have committed over $200 million to related initiatives. The couple’s vision is clear: a collaborative effort for charitable impact that goes beyond just their own bank accounts. With their sights firmly set on creating a better future, Carrie Tuna and Dustin Moskowitz are utilizing their incredibly fortunate position to challenge the world to do better, not just for themselves, but for everyone. Now that’s a generous game plan!
