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16. T. Boone Pickens

Energy and investing

2004-08 Giving* $704 million

Pickens has been in the national spotlight this year, promoting his alternative energy plan for America and hasn’t been able to give as much to charity because of his investment funds’ performance. But that comes after a big year: He gave $100 million to Oklahoma State University to bolster academics, complementing a previous $165 million pledge to the athletic department. He gave OSU sports an additional $63 million this fall to make up for losses from his energy fund, in which the previous pledge athletic pledge was invested. Pickens has also given generously to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the American Red Cross, and volunteers for Meals on Wheels, among others.

For more, visit the T. Boone Pickens Foundation topic on Business Exchange.

*Based on public records and interviews with donors
Data: BusinessWeek, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University

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