Warren Buffett and Bill Gates recently launched the "Giving Pledge," which asks America's billionaires to donate at least 50% of their wealth to charity — an initiative that, if successful, would raise approximately $600 billion for nonprofits across the world. 

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, is worth $11.5 billion, which more than qualifies him for the Pledge. Yet although the multi-billionaire regularly makes charitable donations to organizations and communities in the Pacific Northwest, as of 2004 (the latest year that data was available), Allen's philanthropy amounted to around 4% of his net worth — a far cry from the 50% that the "Giving Pledge" requires.

Paul Allen may not be the richest man in the world, but he's definitely close enough to qualify for the "Giving Pledge." Encourage the expansion of Allen's philanthropic efforts — tell him to join the "Giving Pledge" today.

Photo credit: Robert Scoble