The 'Giving Pledge', launched by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and others urging the world's wealthiest individuals to give away at least half their fortunes, has seen a significant decrease in signups. The number of signups dropped from 113 in its first five years to just 14 in 2025. This comes amid record wealth concentration, with the top 1% of U.S. households now controlling roughly as much wealth as the bottom 90%. Critics argue that the pledge has lost its influence and that wealthy donors are instead focusing on philanthropy through their own foundations or initiatives. Despite this, Gates has continued to advocate large-scale giving and plans to distribute most of his remaining wealth through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the coming decades.