Philanthropist Ric Weiland, who helped Bill Gates and Paul Allen launch Microsoft, left what is believed to be the largest estate gift ever given to the gay and lesbian community. Weiland took his own life in June 2006 after suffering from depression.

Weiland left $160 million, the majority of his estate, to charity. $65 million went to the Pride Foundation in Seattle and 10 nonprofit organizations.

Seattle Times writes:

It has taken more than a year to sort out his estate, and the full scope of Weiland's giving is now starting to emerge. The first disbursements began last summer and will be completed sometime this year.

For the Pride Foundation, which has an annual budget of $2.5 million and endowment of $3 million, Weiland's gift of more than $19 million will significantly expand its efforts throughout the Northwest.

The money will support anti-discrimination campaigns and programs to help youths, develop future leaders and provide scholarships.

"It's a gigantic investment in our equal-rights movement," said Zan McColloch-Lussier, the Pride Foundation's director of communications. "It will be here long after our kids' kids are gone."

Weiland gave another $46 million to the Pride Foundation to distribute to 10 national organizations over eight years.

Recipients will include the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Network, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the American Foundation for AIDS Research and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For most of them, the bequest is the largest gift in their history.

"My hope is this will inspire others to engage as donors and volunteers," said Audrey Haberman, the foundation's executive director.

Weiland, one of the first five Microsoft employees, committed suicide in 2006 at age 53.

Last update: 02-25-2008 12:34