The Reverse of Philanthropy

This article describes the odd philanthropy of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who never spends a dime unless it can benefit him personally. Whereas other billionaires have opened museums to display their art collections to the public and thus gain a tax deduction from them, Allen goes one step farther and charges $25 admission. Allen funds research both medical and technological, but always under the umbrella of one of his profit-making companies. If his research pays off, it will be Paul Allen (not the general public) who will reap untold riches.

It's interesting to contrast Allen's various endeavors with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.