Elon Musk Has a Giant Charity. Its Money Stays Close to Home.

Before March 2021, a charitable foundation announced donations to an impoverished region in Texas that is home to a SpaceX launch site. This announcement came after a SpaceX rocket exploded, causing damage to the area. The foundation pledged $20M to local schools and $10M for downtown revitalization. The pledge was made by a prominent figure known for leading companies in technology and having polarizing political and social views. Despite having billions of dollars in resources, the philanthropy has been inconsistent and focused on benefiting the figure’s businesses.