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Jeff Bezos once gave Eva Longoria and the admiral behind Osama bin Laden’s capture $100 million—but she says you don’t need wealth to give back
Jeff Bezos (far left) gave Eva Longoria (far right) $50 million for philanthropy. Two years on, she says the biggest myth is that you need to be rich to give back.
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Fortune interviewed actress Eva Longoria, who received $50 million from Jeff Bezos two years ago through the Courage and Civility Award. She argues that impact depends on how people show up rather than how much money they have. She described mentoring small-business owners and sharing knowledge as practical ways ordinary people can help, and said her foundation, which supports Latina education and entrepreneurship, can now plan long-term projects. Fortune also notes that the Giving Pledge, which asks the ultrawealthy to donate at least half their fortunes, has over 250 signatories, yet fewer than 10 have followed through, most after death. Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, said people cannot wait on billionaires and that most local nonprofits need help.
Why it matters: It highlights how large philanthropic pledges can lag in practice, a point relevant to readers tracking how wealth is directed toward social causes.
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