1. Pierre & Pam Omidyar
Omidyar NetworkJB Reed/Bloomberg NewsNo. 1-ranked Pierre Omidyar applies a venture-capital approach to recipients ranging from microloans to Wikipedia.
EBay founder Pierre Omidyar says the best piece of philanthropic advice he ever received was this: Don't set up a foundation. The Omidyar Network operates more like a venture-capital outfit, investing in businesses and nonprofits that aim for social change. The network and other efforts have huge multiplier effects: A $100 million fund the couple established at Tufts University is set to produce $1 billion in microloans in developing countries while also turning a profit for Tufts, Pierre's alma mater.
Wiki Money: Committed $300 million since '04 to such innovations as Wikipedia, "micro insurance" and technology to improve government transparency.
Mind Over Matter: "Philanthropy isn't a function of the size of your wallet."
