The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that the Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual list of the biggest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totalled more than $3.5-billion (U.S.) in 2023. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe says that eight of the donors are multibillionaires, and their combined net worth is $305.1-billion (all figures U.S.). Topping the list is a gift from the investment guru Warren Buffett, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes at roughly $119-billion. He gave 1.5 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock valued at $541.5-million to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named for his first wife, who died in 2004. Mr. Buffett created the grant-maker in 1964 to manage the family's charitable giving, and it remains a family affair. Two of his three children serve on its board, and it is led by his former son-in-law. Mr. Buffett's gift is followed on the list by a donation from hedge-fund player James Simons and his wife, Marilyn. The couple gave $500-million through their Simons Foundation to the State University of New York at Stony Brook to support the university's endowment and to boost scholarships, professorships, research and clinical care.