Google Philanthropy vs. Gates Philanthropy

Just as Google is seen as more dashing than Microsoft in the world of software, so too does Google’s new corporate charity, Google.org, seem more innovative than the Microsoft chairman’s Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, says Daniel Gross, a columnist for Slate.

Google.org is a corporate charity that will sponsor for-profit ventures, such as trying to build and market an electric car. On the other hand, the Gates Foundation tends to focus on more traditional charity work, especially eradicating diseases in developing countries.

But Mr. Gross also said the hype around Google.org has obscured the charity’s financial structure. Google.org, with initial assets of $1-billion, will rely on profits from Google—not the largess of its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who will put up none of their own money.

In contrast, the $29-billion Gates Foundation endowment was a personal donation from Mr. Gates.