Chuck Feeney, an Irish-American businessman, passed away at the age of 92. His charitable contributions to Irish causes totaled around €2 billion.
It was stated that the philanthropist passed away quietly at his San Francisco home on Monday.
Over eight billion dollars in grants were given out on five continents by Chuck Feeney through his organization Atlantic Philanthropies.
Chuck Feeney had a special interest in Ireland and devoted a large portion of his wealth to fostering projects for peace and civic society there.
Chuck Feeney was dubbed the “ultimate example of giving while living” by multibillionaire Bill Gates. Before he formally closed up the organization in 2020, this comprised donations of $1.3 billion to projects in the Republic and $570 million to projects in Northern Ireland.
Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his “deep sadness” upon hearing of Mr. Feeney’s passing.
“Chuck’s vision, generosity, and selfless leadership through Atlantic Philanthropies transformed the lives of people on the island of Ireland, young and old, north and south, through investment in community and education.”
According to Mr. Martin, he was “a pioneer in the philanthropic world.” Do leithéad arís ann ní bheidh.
Originally established in 1982 to distribute a large portion of Mr. Feeney’s wealth, Atlantic Philanthropies gave 6,500 grants during that time before deciding to stop funding at the end of 2016.
Atlantic Philanthropies revealed his passing on Monday. According to President and CEO Christopher G. Oechsli, “Chuck was as passionate about being successful at business as he was about making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
“Efficiency in his work was more important to him than accumulating fortune or winning accolades. In terms of generosity, that meant being present and subtly involved with the people and their endeavors who, with his help, could significantly and sustainably enhance the lives of others.”
With a grant aid total of $181.5 million, the University of Limerick Foundation led the Republic in grant aid, followed by the Trinity Foundation, Dublin City University Education Trust, Cork University Foundation, $91.2 million, and Galway University Foundation, $79.5 million.
Additional noteworthy gifts are $10.4 million to the Irish Hospice Foundation, $15.6 million to the children’s charity Barnardos, and $18.9 million to the Health Service Executive.
Chuck Feeney covertly gave The Atlantic Foundation—later renamed The Atlantic Philanthropies—his ownership stake in Duty-Free Shoppers in 1984. Since then, the foundation has given money to initiatives in Vietnam, South Africa, the United States, Australia, Bermuda, Cuba, and Ireland.
A few years ago, Mr. Feeney said,
“If you give while you’re still alive, the money goes to work quickly, and everyone gets to see the action and the results, that’s what we’re all about.”
Leaders in politics, education, and philanthropy have showered their tributes. “Education was Chuck Feeney’s passion,” Education Minister Simon Harris stated. “He has had an incalculable impact on education and higher education in Ireland.”
Chuck Feeney was the “catalyst behind the establishment of the University of Limerick Foundation in 1989 and was a long-time Foundation Board Member,” according to University of Limerick President Professor Kerstin Mey.
“Maybe it is not surprising that over €1 billion in philanthropic support went to Ireland, with UL being one of the main beneficiaries,” the woman remarked, adding that her parents were Irish Americans. Simply said, Chuck Feeney’s generosity would have made it impossible for the University of Limerick to accommodate its 18,000+ students and 2,000 staff members.
In honor of Mr. Feeney, the University of Limerick’s major avenue was dubbed Feeney Way earlier this year.
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