$62 billion and counting: the Buffett family’s extraordinary philanthropy and the $2.1 billion NextGen vision of Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence cover subjects Peter and Jennifer Buffett

The NoVo Foundation, founded in 2006 by Jennifer and Peter Buffett, has invested more than $2.1 billion in initiatives promoting social justice and community development.

Over its 18-year history, the foundation has focused on addressing the root causes of inequality, emphasizing the empowerment of women and girls, supporting Indigenous communities, and strengthening grassroots movements.

This mission reflects the Buffett family’s aim to foster systemic change by uplifting historically marginalized groups.

Among NoVo’s notable efforts is an unprecedented seven-year, $90 million commitment to improve the lives of girls and young women of color in the United States.

The foundation has also launched major initiatives, such as Move to End Violence, a 10-year movement-building program to help end gender-based violence against girls and women.

In addition, NoVo created the Girls Funds in partnership with global grassroots organizations, directing resources to movements ranging from youth rights to climate justice.

These programs have supported causes as diverse as ending child marriage and advancing food sovereignty, always centering those most affected as agents of change.

NoVo is distinguished by its community-centered approach to philanthropy. Foundation leaders prioritize listening to local voices and adapting funding practices to fit cultural contexts.

For example, in its Indigenous-led grantmaking, NoVo has allowed storytelling and open dialogue to replace formal written reports for grantees—a culturally appropriate practice that builds trust.

Indigenous community partners are treated as experts on their needs, rather than forced into funder-driven agendas.

This focus on respectful collaboration and “learning from the ground up” has been a hallmark of NoVo’s strategy.

The NoVo Foundation has recently directed substantial support to organizations in New York’s Hudson Valley region, where Peter Buffett resides.

Over the past several years, the foundation has channeled tens of millions of dollars into local Hudson Valley nonprofits, backing projects from youth services and education to sustainable agriculture.

Now, NoVo’s capacity for impact is set to expand further: recently, Warren Buffett announced a new gift of 300,000 Berkshire Hathaway shares (valued at roughly $144 million) to his son’s foundation.

This significant infusion of funding will bolster NoVo’s resources as it continues its mission of supporting social justice, community resilience, and equality in 2025 and beyond.

The Buffett family received Lifestyles Magazine’s inaugural “Meaningful Influence Award,” presented to philanthropist Peter Buffett.