Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO of Epic Systems, a leading healthcare software company, has pledged to donate 99% of her wealth—estimated at $7.7 billion—to philanthropy through The Giving Pledge.
Her foundation, Roots & Wings, launched in 2020, focuses on trust-based philanthropy, providing unrestricted grants to nonprofits.
The foundation has donated $200 million to 320 organizations and plans to increase its annual donations to $100 million by 2027.
Roots & Wings supports programs in basic needs, early learning, health, and justice, particularly in Wisconsin, Washington, and Oregon
Faulkner’s net worth is currently estimated around $7.7 billion.
The family foundation of a signatory of the Giving Pledge has given $67 million in 2024 alone and $200 million in the past five years to 320 organizations targeted on early childhood development, including support of basic needs, early learning, health, and safety and justice.
Faulkner has said she wanted to donate almost her whole Epic share to charity.
Using a trust-based approach and unrestricted money distribution, Faulkner and her daughter Roots & Wings executive director Shana Dall’Osto will oversee the distribution of fuds.
The foundation has been increasing grantmaking because Faulkner wants “to do more of her giving while she’s living,” Dall’Osto said.
“We want children to start life robust so they may realize their greatest potential.”