TWITTER CEO JACK DORSEY PLEDGES $1B TO COVID-19 RELIEF

Twitter CEO and Square Chairman/Co-Founder Jack Dorsey announced on Tuesday afternoon that he'll donate $1 billion of his Square equity—roughly 28% of his wealth—to fund global COVID-19 relief. It's the largest pledged gift by a private individual yet during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Forbes.

Dorsey's initial donation will create Start Small LLC. As he explained in a series of tweets, his foundation will focus on global initiatives including Universal Basic Income along with girls' health and education, after the coronavirus crisis is over.

Why UBI and girl’s health and education? I believe they represent the best long-term solutions to the existential problems facing the world. UBI is a great idea needing experimentation. Girl’s health and education is critical to balance: https://t.co/dC3dU6hvxB

— jack (@jack) April 7, 2020

Why the transparency? It’s important to show my work so I and others can learn. I’ve discovered and funded ($40mm) many orgs with proven impact and efficiency in the past, mostly anonymously. Going forward, all grants will be public. Suggestions welcome. Drop your cash app ;)

— jack (@jack) April 7, 2020

Why now? The needs are increasingly urgent, and I want to see the impact in my lifetime. I hope this inspires others to do something similar. Life is too short, so let’s do everything we can today to help people now. ✌🏼

— jack (@jack) April 7, 2020