Li Ka-shing

Cause: Empowerment and community building through education and health care. The charitable foundation that Li calls his "third son" donates to hospitals and universities worldwide. The Hong Kong powerhouse grew from a humble start in plastics to a $23 billion fortune via conglomerates Cheung Kong and Hutchinson Whampoa.

Impact: His donations exceed $1 billion, and he recently pledged one-third of his wealth to his foundation.