Houston billionaire philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder to donate 95% of $11 billion fortune to local causes

Houston billionaires Nancy and Rich Kinder say they are giving away most of their money - about $10 billion - to help the city that made them who they are.

In an interview with ABC13 Houston’s Melanie Lawson, the couple confirmed that they have pledged to donate 95% of their fortune to local causes - parks, education, and arts among their main priorities.

The Kinders spoke after breaking ground on an $18.5 million expansion of Emancipation Park in Houston’s Third Ward. Their Kinder Foundation provided the lead funding for the project, which will add a new outdoor performance stage and a renovated cultural center.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” Rich Kinder said during the interview. “Whatever wealth you accumulate is really the result of a lot of other people helping you along the way.” He added that the goal has always been to leave the world “a little better” than they found it.

While many billionaires promise to give away at least half their wealth, the Kinders went further - committing to 95% when they joined in 2011. Their giving happens mostly through the Kinder Foundation, which they launched soon after marrying in 1997.

According to Forbes, as of October 19, 2025, the Kinders are Houston’s wealthiest residents, with a combined net worth of about $11.2 billion. Most of that money, they have now said again, will not stay with them.

The Emancipation Park expansion is the latest in a long line of Houston projects supported by the couple. They have funded parks, libraries, and education initiatives across the city, and have quietly shaped the way Houston looks and feels today.

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Comprehension

Who are Nancy and Rich Kinder?
How much of their fortune do they plan to donate?
What are some of the main causes they want to support?
What is the name of the park project they are helping to expand?
How much is the Emancipation Park expansion project worth?
When did the Kinders join the group of billionaires pledging to give away their wealth?
What is the name of the foundation the couple established?
According to Forbes, what is the Kinders’ combined net worth as of October 2025?

Discussion

Why do you think some billionaires choose to donate most of their money?
Do you believe wealthy people have a responsibility to help their communities? Why or why not?
What kinds of local projects would you support if you had great wealth?
How do acts of generosity like this affect a city or community?
What message do you think the Kinders want to send through their giving?
Do you think giving away money is the best way to make a difference? Why or why not?
How can ordinary people contribute to improving their communities even without much money?
What are some benefits of improving public parks and cultural centers?
How do philanthropy and social responsibility relate to good citizenship?
What values can students learn from people like the Kinders?

Vocabulary

Billionaire – a person who has wealth equal to or greater than one billion dollars.
Pledge – a serious promise or commitment to do something.
Fortune – a large amount of money or wealth.
Foundation – an organization established to provide money for a specific purpose, often charitable.
Expansion – the act of increasing in size or scope.
Renovated – repaired or improved to make something look new again.
Philanthropy – the desire to promote the welfare of others, often by donating money to good causes.
Initiatives – plans or actions taken to solve a problem or improve a situation.