In 2024, two high-profile figures, Eva Longoria and retired Admiral Bill McRaven, each received $50 million grants from Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez as part of the Courage and Civility Award program. This philanthropic initiative, launched by Bezos, is designed to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to society, allowing them to use the funds in ways that align with their causes and missions.
The Courage and Civility Award program, established in 2021 by Jeff Bezos, offers $50 million grants to individuals who are chosen for their outstanding efforts in advancing philanthropic or social causes. This initiative is modeled after the prestigious MacArthur Fellows Program, widely known as the "genius grant." Through this program, Bezos gives recipients the opportunity to direct the funds towards initiatives that can make a significant impact in their communities.
The Courage and Civility Award is part of Bezos's growing focus on philanthropy. Past recipients of the award include Van Jones, a political commentator and social justice advocate, and José Andrés, the humanitarian and chef known for his disaster relief efforts. In 2022, country music legend Dolly Parton received the award, further cementing the program’s reputation for recognizing diverse individuals who contribute to society in meaningful ways. After a year-long pause in 2023, Bezos doubled up in 2024, awarding Eva Longoria and Admiral Bill McRaven the prestigious grants.
Eva Longoria, an actress and philanthropist, is well-known for her work both in entertainment and charity. The Eva Longoria Foundation, established in 2021, focuses on empowering Latinas by providing education and entrepreneurship opportunities. Longoria’s mission is clear: to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families.
When Eva Longoria was named a Courage and Civility Award recipient in 2024, she pledged to use the $50 million grant to expand and support the foundation’s ongoing work. In her statement, she said she would "continue doing what [she's] been doing" by investing in education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs aimed at improving the lives of Latinas across the United States.
In addition to the foundation's core focus, Longoria has also championed causes related to special needs. Her Eva's Heroes organization supports individuals with special needs, providing resources and opportunities for inclusion. In 2024, when devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, Longoria immediately stepped up and pledged $1 million for wildfire relief efforts, showing her commitment to addressing immediate needs and long-term solutions in crisis situations.
Admiral Bill McRaven is perhaps best known for overseeing the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, during his tenure as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. McRaven’s military career spanned decades, and his leadership has earned him significant respect. However, it is his post-military career that continues to make an impact. Through his work, McRaven has become a strong advocate for military veterans and their mental health.
When McRaven received his Courage and Civility Award grant in 2024, he committed the $50 million to support veterans' causes. Among his first acts was a $1 million donation to the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, aimed at researching Gulf War Illness and addressing mental health issues that many veterans face. These issues have long been overlooked, and McRaven's contribution helps bring much-needed attention and resources to improving the well-being of veterans, particularly those dealing with invisible injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Jeff Bezos has become one of the most prominent figures in the world of philanthropy, despite not having signed the Giving Pledge, which was initiated by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in 2010. This pledge encourages the world’s wealthiest individuals to commit the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. However, Bezos’s approach to philanthropy has taken a different path.
Through his Bezos Earth Fund, Bezos has pledged billions to fight climate change, focusing on advancing sustainable technologies and supporting environmental organizations. Additionally, Bezos has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various charitable causes, outside of his Courage and Civility Award program, reflecting his growing commitment to giving back in meaningful ways.
While some have criticized Bezos for not contributing more publicly through traditional philanthropy channels, his focus on funding impactful initiatives—such as the Courage and Civility Award—has certainly made waves in the philanthropic community. These large grants, which allow recipients to use the money however they see fit, empower individuals like Eva Longoria and Admiral McRaven to create real change in the areas they are passionate about.
In a world where large charitable donations often come with strict guidelines and expectations, the Courage and Civility Award represents a fresh approach. By giving recipients the freedom to decide how to use their $50 million, Bezos and Sánchez are placing trust in these leaders to do what they feel is right.
Both Eva Longoria and Bill McRaven have proven track records of impacting the lives of others—whether through improving the lives of Latinas, supporting veterans, or tackling critical mental health issues. The Courage and Civility Award allows them the flexibility to extend their work even further, making a positive impact on society. With the grants now in their hands, these two leaders are poised to make lasting differences that align with their values and missions.
In the end, Jeff Bezos’s Courage and Civility Award serves as an example of how significant philanthropic gestures can empower individuals to bring about societal change. By honoring exceptional people and providing them the resources to continue their important work, Bezos is reshaping how large-scale giving can be done—without restrictions and with complete confidence in the recipients’ abilities to create meaningful impact.
