Monday, April 17, 2006

CIRM Backers Are Big Givers

Two of the folks who are helping out CIRM financially are among the 50 most generous philanthropists in the nation.

Business Week (Nov. 28, 2005) provided the list of the top donors. Ranking No. 5 were Eli and Edythe Broad. Ranking No. 22 were Irwin and Joan Jacobs. Both have agreed to purchase bond anticipation notes on behalf of the strapped stem cell agency (See "Greenbacks.").

The Broads have given an estimated $1.8 billion to charities during their lifetimes, which amounts to 33 percent of their remaining net worth, according to Business Week. The Jacobs have ponied up $490 million for charity during their lifetimes, about 29 percent of their remaining net worth.

The list contains many other Californians, who still have billions. Topping that list in terms of net worth is Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle, with $17 billion. Business Week says he is interested in research on aging and diseases. Ellison's lifetime giving totals $690 million, only 4 percent of his remaining net worth.

We would suggest Ellison as a target for CIRM fundraisers, but he is undoubtedly already on their list.

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