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A notable name is absent from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy which keeps tack of $1 million or more charitable donations, and that would be Steve Jobs. He's also not mentioned as signing the 'Giving Pledge' like fellow tech titans and billionaires Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg did, promising to gift half their wealth. The late Apple CEO left behind a fortune estimate at $8.3 billion, yet only anecdotal evidence exists suggesting any significant gifts to charity, reports the WaPo.
U2's Bono maintains that Jobs did indeed contribute millions to combat AIDS in Africa, while others point to his foundation donating computers to non-profits. But that was 1985, and in 1997 Jobs terminated Apple’s philanthropic programs. Only until recent media scrutiny of Apple's unfavorable charity record did the company begin a 'matching gifts' program working together with its employees.
A person who worked with Jobs on a prior charity effort is more forgiving. "It’s a bum rap," he said. "There’s only so many hours in a week, and he created so many incredible products. He really contributed to culture and society.” Read the full article.
