Jack and Laura Dangermond’s efforts to preserve a stretch of Santa Barbara coastline have landed them at No. 15 in the “Philanthropy 50.”
Late last year the co-founders of the Redlands tech company Esri contributed $165 million to The Nature Conservancy to purchase 25,000 acres on Point Conception known as Bixby Ranch.
The gift puts them ahead of David Geffen, No. 16, and his $150 million gift to the Los Angeles Museum of Art.
Bill and Melinda Gates topped the list with $4.78 billion given to their self-named foundation.
The list of “America’s super-rich” was compiled by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, an independent news organization that serves fundraisers and grant writers.
The top 50 gave $14.7 billion to charity in 2017. Tech industry figures accounted for 60 percent of the compilation.
The Dangermonds signed Giving Pledge created by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates in 2016.
In their pledge, they state their goals are to provide software and technical assistance for humanitarian causes, conservation and STEM education; acquire land for conservation and parks; and contribute to their local community.
