Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth soared by an eye-popping $85 billion in 2024, yet in a surprising turn, a school he founded for struggling children is now forced to close. This move has left many questioning how philanthropy intersects with the vast fortunes of tech billionaires.

The school, created to give kids from low-income families a better shot at education, had become a vital lifeline in its community. Its closure isn’t just a loss of a building—it’s a loss of hope for many families relying on its support.

The vision behind the school’s creation

Back in 2016, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, launched the Primary School as part of their ambitious effort to transform education. The idea was bold: combine teaching, healthcare, and social services all under one roof to level the playing field for California’s poorest children.

The project was primarily financed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which poured around $100 million into the school from 2018 through 2024. The school was more than a classroom—it was a community hub built to deliver equal opportunities for kids who otherwise faced stacked odds.

Despite massive financial backing, the school struggled to become self-sufficient. It didn’t attract much funding from outside of CZI, and public support was limited. Jean-Claude Brizard, the school board chairman, emphasized the school’s vulnerability, saying, “If a project depends 100% or even 50% on philanthropy, it’s not a viable long-term model.”

Financial struggles lead to closure announcement

In April 2025, the difficult decision was announced: the Primary School will close by the end of 2026. Official statements stayed vague, but sources including The New York Times revealed that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative pulled funding, triggering a financial crisis.

Donations dropped sharply, plunging from $8 million in 2022 to just $3.7 million in 2023, leaving the school’s budget in jeopardy. For the families depending on it, this was devastating news.

Parents voiced their frustration openly, many pointing out the contradiction between Zuckerberg’s skyrocketing wealth—which now tops $200 billion—and the loss of critical educational resources. One parent said bluntly, “He’s a billionaire. Why would he close a school for poor kids?”

In response, CZI announced it will pivot its focus towards scientific research and artificial intelligence efforts. This shift reflects a broader trend where tech philanthropy gravitates toward cutting-edge tech ventures rather than community projects.

What the school’s closure reveals about philanthropy

The end of the Primary School underlines a harsh reality: many philanthropic projects depending heavily on one wealthy donor struggle to sustain themselves long-term without diverse support.

For many in the community, this school was far more than education. It was a symbol of promise in a world where financial hardship can dictate a child’s future. Seeing it close is a hard reminder of how fragile charity models can be.

I remember volunteering at a neighborhood center funded mainly by a single donor. When that funding evaporated, the doors shut—we lost a vital community resource. It taught me that even good intentions need broad, steady backing to matter in the long run.

With Zuckerberg’s wealth exploding amid the school’s closing, we must ask a critical question: how enduring and impactful is philanthropy from the ultra-wealthy? Does immense wealth necessarily translate into lasting social support, or do priorities shift as public interest and technology trends evolve?

How should society approach billionaire philanthropy

This situation sparks a larger debate. Should billionaires like Zuckerberg be held accountable for creating sustained, lasting change with their donations? Or is it the responsibility of communities, governments, and broader systems to ensure vital social projects don’t falter when a single backer steps away?

It’s a complex problem with no easy answers. But it’s worth reflecting on because the stakes—children’s futures—are incredibly high.

What’s your take on this? Do you think elite philanthropy can solve social inequality, or is a more systemic approach necessary? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation about how we can build stronger, more resilient communities together.(Leravi)

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