$100 million latest gift to children’s hospital from Marc and Lynne Benioff puts their philanthropic giving over the billion-dollar mark
Marc and Lynne Benioff have surpassed a landmark $1 billion in lifetime contributions to the San Francisco Bay Area, marking one of the most significant philanthropic milestones in the region’s history.
Their latest $100 million gift to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals will fund the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility and expand pediatric care in Oakland, continuing their long-standing commitment to improving children’s health.
At the same time, Salesforce, the company Marc Benioff co-founded and leads, announced an additional $39 million in new investments supporting Bay Area public schools, education nonprofits, and local hospitals.
Together, these commitments strengthen a philanthropic partnership that has shaped the civic, educational, and healthcare landscape of Northern California for more than two decades.
Announced on the eve of Salesforce’s annual Dreamforce conference, the new funding reflects the Benioffs’ vision that innovation and community responsibility must go hand in hand.
“The San Francisco Bay Area is the AI capital of the world,” said Marc Benioff, Salesforce chair and CEO.
“With that leadership comes a responsibility not only to innovate, but to secure the future of our community—ensuring that every child has access to world-class healthcare, safe public spaces, and an education that prepares them to flourish in the AI era.”
The company’s education initiatives include $13 million in grants to the San Francisco and Oakland Unified School Districts to expand STEM access and provide teachers with the tools and training needed to guide students through the age of artificial intelligence, as well as $17 million to 18 nonprofits that are pioneering AI readiness and inclusion programs.
Salesforce’s philanthropy has long been rooted in the belief that business is the greatest platform for change.
Since its founding 26 years ago, the company has dedicated 1% of its equity, products, and employee time to communities—a model that inspired the global Pledge 1% movement, now adopted by more than 19,000 companies and responsible for over $3 billion in new philanthropy worldwide.
More than 60,000 nonprofits use Salesforce technology for free or at deep discounts, helping them raise funds, streamline operations, and extend their reach. Salesforce has also launched new accelerator programs to help nonprofits use AI through its Agentforce platform, supporting causes from education to disaster response.
The Benioffs’ $100 million donation to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals builds upon a decade of partnership that has redefined pediatric healthcare in the Bay Area.
“The Benioffs’ sustained generosity has improved our pediatric health system and made life better for children and families all across the Bay Area,” said Dr. Nicholas Holmes, president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
The new funding will help modernize facilities and expand critical care for children of all backgrounds. During Dreamforce week, Salesforce will also mobilize the community to raise an additional $9 million for the hospitals through its Dreamfest benefit concert, featuring performances by Metallica and Benson Boone.
Beyond healthcare and education, the Benioffs have invested deeply in San Francisco’s civic life, supporting projects such as India Basin Waterfront Park and the Presidio Tunnel Tops, and backing nonprofits like Save the Bay to preserve and protect the region’s environment.
Salesforce recently passed 10 million employee volunteer hours, with staff mentoring students, teaching AI fundamentals in classrooms, and supporting community programs around the world.
With their total giving now exceeding $1 billion, Marc and Lynne Benioff stand as San Francisco’s most influential modern philanthropists, weaving together innovation, civic pride, and compassion.
Their work has reimagined what corporate responsibility can mean—combining technology, empathy, and community investment to build a stronger, more equitable Bay Area.
As Marc Benioff puts it, “Our success means little unless it helps secure the future of the place we call home.”