Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg donates over $900 million in 2013

Facebook has helped millions across the world connect and communicate with each other, transforming the way we interact with each other. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg may have benefited financially from the millions of people who use Facebook, but he and his wife are making sure that other people benefit too.

According to Reuters, Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have been crowned America’s top philanthropists after donating a hefty share of Facebook stock. The Chronicle of Philanthropy said that in 2013 Zuckerberg and his wife gave away nearly $1 billion.

The top 50 U.S. donors contributed around $7.7 billion last year; a four percent increase from 2012. According to Forbes, Zuckerberg’s donation of $18 million in shares of Facebook stock to a Silicon Valley foundation in 2012 grew since the company went public. The gift is now worth $992 million. It is estimated that Zuckerberg’s gift could reach $2 billion if Facebook stock continue to grow at its current pace.

Even though he topped The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list there were some other noteworthy contributors in 2013. George Mitchell, a Texas energy tycoon that pioneered fracking, was second on the list. With an estimated net worth of $2 billion his death in July of 2013 left $750 to his foundation which is committed to improving the technology used to track environmental damage. Also, Nike Inc co-founder Phil Knight and his wife gave $500 million to Oregon Health & Science University Foundation for cancer research. The couple also attached a key stipulation to their gift which leaves the foundation committed to matching their donation or otherwise lose it entirely. The Knights are no stranger to giving, they also donated, $100 million to the university in 2008. Knight is a featured member on the Forbes list ranking number 24 with an estimated fortune of $16.3 billion.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy also noted which causes brought in the most donations. Last year donors shared their wealth predominately with colleges, foundations and hospitals. Although assumed to be one of the highest categories for donations, children and environmental causes, were a part of the group least contributed to.

According to Forbes, Zuckerberg is worth an estimated $19 billion; a net worth calculated prior to the current rise in Facebook stock. In 2012, Zuckerberg joined the Giving Pledge; a promise to donate at least half his networth to charity.