How the five richest women in America spend their billion-dollar fortunes
Some of the richest people in the world spend their fortunes not on diamonds and cars, but philanthropy and charitable causes.
Many of the world's richest women donate millions, even billions, to important causes every year.
From Jaqueline Mars, who owns part of the world's largest candy empire, to MacKenzie Scott, billionaire ex-wife to Jeff Bezos, these women use their fortunes for good.
RELATED: Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donates $3.5b
Jeff Bezos with former wife MacKenzie Scott. Getty
With Forbes revealing the richest women in America, we've taken a look at how the top five are spending their money.
From philanthropy, to charity, to supporting the arts, they're putting their fortunes to good use.
Alice Walton – $86.3 billion
The only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton's fortune largely came from her father's retail empire.
However, she chose not to go into the 'family business', instead putting her wealth towards more artistic pursuits.
Alice Walton is the richest woman in America. Getty
Over the years, she's bought and sold incredibly valuable art pieces, building an impressive personal collection.
In 2011, she decided to take her passion public and opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Featuring works from famous artists like Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol, the museum offers free admission to the public and is a cultural hub in Bentonville.
MacKenzie Scott - $78.9 billion
MacKenzie Scott made headlines last year when she and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos divorced following news of an affair between him and a former news anchor.
Leaked texts messages between Bezos and the woman, Lauren Sanchez, sent the media into overdrive and Scott began divorce proceedings soon after.
Jeff Bezos and former wife MacKenzie Bezos arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File
As part of their separation, Scott would receive a portion of Bezos' multi-billion-dollar fortune.
She played a major role in the development of Amazon and was transferred 25 per cent of her ex-husband's stake in the company when they split, which was around four per cent of the company.
RELATED: Jeff Bezos' divorce costs him title as 'Richest Person In The World'
Overnight, she became one of the richest women in the world, but she hasn't been splashing her cash since.
Instead, Scott has been focused on supporting non-profit groups. In 2020 she donated a combined $7.8 billion to various groups in two rounds of donations, with a third round of $3.5 billion announced by Scott and her new husband Dan Jewett in June 2021.
MacKenzie Scott at the Axel Springer award ceremony. picture alliance via Getty Image
Charities and organisations she's supported include racial equality groups, economic mobility organisations and gender equality causes.
"There's no question in my mind that anyone's personal wealth is the product of a collective effort, and of social structures which present opportunities to some, and obstacles to countless others," she wrote in a July 2020 blog post.
Julia Koch - $62.3 billion
Wife to late Koch Industries owner David Koch, Julia Koch and her children inherited billions when David died in August last year.
At his passing, the family inherited a 42 per cent stake in Koch Industries, an American multinational corporation based in Wichita, Kansas.
David and Julia Koch at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on March 9, 2015 in New York City. FilmMagic
It set Julia and their children up for life, but don't expect them to be splashing out on yachts and lavish parties.
During her husband's life, Julia was deeply involved with his philanthropic work and charity donations and will likely continue to spend her fortune this way following David's death.
Over the years he had contributed to everything from economic advocacy, to prison reform, the arts, education and medical research – areas Julia will likely continue to invest in.
Jacqueline Mars - $40.1 billion
Believed to own around one third of Mars, the world's largest candy maker established by her grandfather, Jacqueline Mars spent 20 years working for the company.
Since leaving her role at Mars, she has turned her focus to more philanthropic work, serving on boards at the Smithsonian and National Archives in the US.
Jacqueline Mars (centre) at The International Debutante Ball at The Pierre Hotel on December 29, 2018. Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
Mars also supports the Washington National Opera and is an advocate for and investor in the American arts, as well as promoting American heritage incentives.
Not to mention she is a trustee of the US Equestrian Team, which includes the country's Olympic team in the sport.
Laurene Powell Jobs - $22.1 billion
Yes, that Jobs. Laurene inherited billions when her husband, Steve Jobs, died in 2011, leaving her plenty of stock in Apple and Disney.
Since Steve's death, Laurene has branched out, investing in everything from sport teams like the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals, to media.
Steve Jobs left his fortune to Laurene, his wife of 20 years, when he died in October 2011.
Over the years, she has purchase stakes in outlets like The Atlantic and California Sunday, investing heavily in media publications.
Laurene has also established causes of her own, largely through the investment, social impact and philanthropic firm she founded in 2004; Emerson Collective.
Established before Steve's death, Laurene has since invested more than $1.6 billion in the collective's foundation, which she launched in 2016.
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