I knew going to war with Silver Lake, a $102B private equity firm, they would pull out every dirty trick to try to smear my name, do oppo research, imply I’m a mafia boss trying to extort them, etc.
I have kept my personal philanthropy private until now. I would like to offer up one piece of evidence for the public to consider, which is the IRS accounting of my 501c3 charitable donations.
This is something I’ve tried to keep quiet, because true philanthropy isn’t about recognition. As you can see, my personal liquidity goes up and down but I give back as much as I can when I can.
- 2011: $295,044.60
- 2012: $401,121.00
- 2013: $2,088,890.88
- 2014: $98,648.00
- 2015: $101,947.00
- 2016: $42,300.00
- 2017: $51,562.50
- 2018: $606,957.68
- 2019: $620,802.65
- 2020: $607,452.48
- 2021: $2,151,602.26
- 2022: $2,780,054.20
- 2023: $2,276,425.06
If Lee Wittlinger, who controls Silver Lake’s investments in the WordPress ecosystem, or Heather Brunner, the CEO of WP Engine, would like to publish their charitable contributions over the past 12 years, they are welcome to do so.
The consistency of your financial giving, and the ramping up, wow. That is remarkable and personally inspiring
On your side. Could your foundation allow me to apply?
You don’t have to justify a dang thing! Your reservoir of good deeds is bottomless, Matt “The Motivator.” 🙂 We’ve been saying “WordPress-4-Life” since we met you at WordCamp Chicago in 2009. Saw you again in 2013. You know you got people!!!
This is amazingly great Matt! In my experience, publishing charitable gifts inspires others to give more. I hope this inspires a whole new wave of giving.
That are impressive numbers, I think.
Be the change, you want to see in the world? (one of my first thoughts, reading your post)
Thank you for doing so and beginning this debate about „giving back“ in a position of wealth or strength.
We love you and will always support you.
The medicine may taste bad, but it’s crucial for the future of WordPress. WP Engine has a lot of affiliate shills that’s going to fight tooth and nail defending them, and trying to deflect the main issue: that WP Engine is putting money that should go to the development of WordPress and putting it in the pockets of private equity owners.