A list of the world’s top seven philanthropists features in Forbes magazine this month. The list was compiled by Eli Broad, who is himself a billion dollar donor and co-founder of the Broad Foundations with his wife Edythe. 

The list, which features three women, is comprised solely of donors from the US.

“The challenge of picking just seven philanthropists who are giving back, using their wealth to improve our world for others, is extremely limiting. I immediately came up with a list of more than 20 philanthropists who are notable in their passion and generosity,” Broad said: “But the seven I chose are remarkable because they do far more than just give money to causes. They get their hands dirty in the work”. For example, Broad cites Bill Gates' decision to step down from the helm of Microsoft to work full-time at his foundation as "the latest in a trend of enormously successful business leaders who want to personally direct their philanthropy--not leave it to others to give away after they're gone."

The seven are:

1. Bill and Melinda Gates, co-founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which gave $2.8 bn (£1.7 bn) in 2009. “The Gates' work in American public education and global health promises to be truly transformative” Broad says.
2. Michael Dell, founder of the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, has become personally involved in philanthropy while still CEO of his eponymous IT firm. Broad says, “his foundation has invested in common-sense business practices” to reform public education in the US.
3. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City, has given to medical research, anti-smoking initiatives and Jewish causes, among others. Broad describes him as “a true public servant.”
4. Peter Peterson, founder of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, came to philanthropy after selling much of his interest in financial services firm Blackstone Group and now focuses on encouraging personal financial responsibility. “He is an example to all of us that you can make a difference at any age,” Broad says.
5. Oprah Winfrey, founder of Oprah’s Angel Network. Broad describes Winfrey's global influence as “unparalleled.” Her example has “inspired millions of people to give back in ways big and small”, he continues.
6. David Rockefeller Sr., co-founder of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, champions arts, education and global causes ranging from health to environmental issues. Broad says, “He and his family have been a role model to many of us.”
7. Wallis Annenberg, chairman, president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. Broad says, “Wallis has continued her parents' visionary philanthropy in communications, higher education and the arts.”

Broad says, “They are not only wealthy, they are truly worthy.”

The list appears as part of a special report on ‘the World’s most powerful people’ available on the Forbes website.