Haute 100 San Francisco Update: Richard Goldman

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, philanthropic vet Richard Goldman continues to share the gift of giving.

Name: Richard Goldman

Category: Philanthropists

Company: Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund

Industry: Philanthropy

What Made Him Haute: Amassing wealth and then using it to save the world is what makes Richard Goldman one haute philanthropist. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Goldman Environmental Prize, often dubbed “The Green Nobel,” and Al Gore came to San Francisco on Earth Day to award the six recipients with this top honor that recognizes activists for significant efforts to protect the environment, often at great personal risk. Each winner receives an award of $150,000, the largest award in the world for grassroots environmentalists.

What Makes Him Haute Now: Goldman was awarded the Chairman’s Medal at the 11th Annual Heinz Awards in honor of his generous efforts from the past half-century. In 2007, he had fallen off Forbes‘ Billionaire list, which he said was a compliment. Goldman thinks other billionaires should be giving away more money: “I feel like you shouldn’t sit on the money,” he says.