Established in 2006 - Founded by Michael R. "Mike" Bloomberg, a former Mayor of New York City, in order to concentrate on areas of particular interest, such as public health and medical research. He is the founder and 88 percent owner of Bloomberg L.P., a financial software services company. He is listed as the 7th-richest person in America on the 2013 Forbes List of The Richest People In America. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving Michael R. Bloomberg has committed to The Giving Pledge, and has pledged to give away at least half of his wealth to philanthropy.