No. 17: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
UNITED STATES – £179m
Will Keith Kellogg made his fortune developing and marketing breakfast cereals. Before becoming one of the richest men in America, he pledged: “If I am successful in getting out of debt, and become prosperous, I expect to make good use of any wealth that may come to me.”
He kept his word and in 1930 the W. K. Kellogg Foundation was established, with the aim to promote the welfare of children and young people. “Use the money as you please so long as it promotes the health, happiness and well-being of children,” he told the foundation’s trustees.
The foundation receives its income primarily from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust, which was set up by Kellogg. The trust also has a substantial stake in the Kellogg company.
With the motto “Putting Children First”, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation focuses its work on early childhood – from before birth to age eight.