This Texan Couple Donated Half a Billion Dollars Last Year

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A recent report has highlighted the extraordinary generosity of America's top philanthropists, who collectively donated over $11.9 billion in 2023. Among these notable benefactors are Houston couple John and Laura Arnold, whose significant contributions have placed them as the fifth most generous donors in the United States.

Last year, the Arnolds donated a remarkable $483.6 million, continuing their long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Their nonprofit foundation, an arm of Arnold Ventures, plays a central role in their charitable activities. Arnold Ventures, a limited-liability company, also includes a donor-advised fund and a 501(c)(4) organization through which the Arnolds support lobbying and advocacy work. The foundation's focus areas include overhauling the criminal justice system and reducing healthcare costs, with grants totaling nearly $163 million awarded last year.

One of the notable grants from the Arnold Foundation was $2.8 million to MDRC, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to combating poverty. This grant funds a research study aimed at identifying the most effective methods for improving court appearance rates and reducing the number of individuals rearrested before their trials. By addressing these issues, the Arnolds hope to contribute to a more equitable and efficient criminal justice system.

In addition to their work in criminal justice, the Arnolds are heavily invested in healthcare reform. Last year, they awarded a $2.3 million grant to the Brookings Institution to support research on surprise medical billing and the impacts of healthcare market consolidation and private-equity involvement on medical practices. The findings from this research will help develop public policy options to address these critical healthcare issues.

The Arnolds' philanthropic efforts are not new. In 2022, they donated $617 million, following contributions of $270 million in 2021 and $560 million in 2020. Their consistent and significant donations reflect a deep commitment to creating systemic change in critical areas of society.

As John and Laura Arnold continue to leverage their resources for the greater good, their contributions set a powerful example of how philanthropy can drive meaningful change. Their work underscores the importance of strategic giving and the potential of well-placed grants to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.

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