philanthropy

For two generations, the name Dimbleby has been associated with British journalism. The dynasty was founded by Richard Dimbleby, who made his name as a World War II reporter, sending the first broadcasts from Belsen. He was later famous for anchoring television broadcasts of the coronation of Elizabeth II and the state funerals of JFK and Winston Churchill. Two of his children, David and Jonathan, are today household names for their work on televised election coverage and political programmes, while two of his grandchildren, Joe and Kitty, are also journalists.

Ho ho ho: and down the chimney he comes, spreading happiness with his gifts wherever he goes. With the contents of his sack valued at $36 billion (€27.15 billion) – all of which must be given away sooner or later – Jeff Raikes might seem like everyone’s idea of the modern-day Santa Claus.

A woman with strong family business links has topped the list of the most generous American donors in 2011, despite dying in 2006.

Margaret Cargill, an heiress of agribusiness Cargill, donated about $6 billion (€4.56 billion) last year, according to figures from the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

This figure far exceeded the amount given by the second person on the list – the late William Dietrich, who gave $500 million.

High net worth women are responsible for the majority of wealthy family’s philanthropic decisions and often take a more cautious approach to giving than men, according to research by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

The 2011 Study of High Net Worth Women's Philanthropy, released on 12 December, found that in 90% of high net worth households, women either make decisions about giving to charities on their own or as an equal partner.