Mike Bloomberg has always believed in the power of philanthropy to change people's lives for the better. Mike's parents instilled the principles of public service and giving back in him from a young age, and those same principles have guided him throughout his life. That's why he has committed so much of his time, energy and resources to the causes he believes in. To date, he has donated more than $1.4 billion to a wide variety of causes and organizations. In 2009, Mike contributed more than $254 million to more than 1,300 charities. The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked him No. 4 on its list of the 50 most generous people in America.

Public health has been a major focus of Mike's charitable efforts. Building on Mike's groundbreaking initiative to ban smoking in all places in New York City, Bloomberg Philanthropies is currently spearheading a widespread, international effort to combat tobacco use. In addition, the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins - renamed in 2001 in recognition of Mike's commitment to the University - is the largest school of its kind in the world, focused on improving health and preventing disease and disability. It is consistently ranked #1 by US News and World Report. One of Mike's great passions at the Bloomberg School is the first of its kind Malaria Research Institute.

A longstanding supporter of the arts, Mike has provided major funding to arts education programs, performing arts centers, public arts programs, exhibitions, and many of the small and mid-sized organizations throughout the five boroughs that form the backbone of New York City's dynamic cultural landscape. Bloomberg Philanthropies also regularly contributes to a multitude of environmental and social service organizations. Mike Bloomberg continues to be inspired by the generosity of others and hopes to encourage that same spirit of giving, whether it is money or talent or time, just as his parents did for him.

Livestrong Quarterly: Hizzoner Health - Keeping NYC Healthy and Strong Aug. 12, 2010 LiveStrong Quarterly LiveStrong Quarterly, the print publication of Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong Foundation, has a cover story in its August edition highlighting Mike's public health initiatives as an example for the Nation.

My Commitment to Giving Aug. 4, 2010 The Giving Pledge The reality of great wealth is that you can't spend it and you can’t take it with you. For decades, I've been committed to giving away the vast majority of my wealth to causes that I'm passionate about - and that my children are passionate about.

Bloomberg and 39 Other Billionaires Pledge to Give Away Half Their Wealth Aug. 4, 2010 NY Post Forty U.S. billionaires pledged on Wednesday to give away at least 50 percent of their wealth to charity as part of a campaign by investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Among the billionaires joining the campaign are New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, entertainment executive Barry Diller, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens, media mogul Ted Turner, David Rockefeller and investor Ronald Perelman.

On the One.org Blog: Catching up with Mayor Bloomberg Jul. 17, 2010 One.org One Campaign members Matt and Trey caught up with Mike after his talk at Dartmouth on Friday. Mike was very excited to see them and inquired about the efforts and status of ONE. They spoke with him briefly and let him know how much ONE appreciates his efforts to help save millions of lives around the world.

Mike Announces Grants For Promoting Volunteerism Jun. 30, 2010 Epoch Times Mike and Nashville, TN Mayor Karl Dean announced the winners of the second round of "Cities of Service Leadership Grants," which awards 10 cities $200,000 to help design citywide volunteer projects. The fund, which totals $2 million, is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Rockefeller Foundation.