Does Jerry Seinfeld Donate Any Of His Massive Net Worth To Charity?

Jerry Seinfeld has earned a massive net worth of $950 million. He earned the majority of that money starring in his hugely successful sitcom Seinfeld which ran from 1989 to 1998 on NBC. It became the leader of the ‘must-see TV’ lineup on NBC.

Seinfeld was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s and consistently topped the ratings. This was all of course way before streaming and a lot of people watched network TV. The last five seasons of the show all averaged 20 million viewers per week! The show ended in its ninth season and at the time Jerry Seinfeld was making $1 million per episode.

He was the first sitcom star to cross that payment threshold.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jerry Seinfeld (@jerryseinfeld)

But fans and viewers have to wonder, with all that success, what has Jerry done to improve the world around him… or has he?

Jerry’s Syndication Deal Set Him Up For Life

His three costars Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards were also making $1 million for all episodes in seasons 8 and 9. After the show ended, it went into syndication which earned them all even more money but Jerry was the one who scored the really lucrative syndication deal.

So, not only did Seinfeld make that million while filming his show, but he has raked in those royalties from syndication for the last 20 years or so. Don’t forget he was also the creator and producer which gives him ownership of the whole show.

As a result of his sitcom residual payments, then just being a successful comedian regularly touring, he accumulated this massive net worth of 950 million.

He Doesn’t Come Off As Greedy

Despite being very close to a billionaire, Seinfeld doesn’t come across as a man who needs to accumulate all the wealth he can; he’s turned down lucrative opportunities in the past. That included a chance to keep Seinfeld going. Jerry decided to end his hit show while it was still good and at the top of the ratings.

As a result, the series finale of Seinfeld was bittersweet for everyone involved in the show, especially the fans who really didn’t want it to end.

76 million people watched the series finale of the show about nothing. After the show ended, Seinfeld got married and had three kids. He also got back into the spotlight with his Netflix deal and the shows he produces for the streaming giant.

Seinfeld Is Considered A Philanthropist

With almost a billion dollars, it’s hard to spend that much when it comes down to it. Jerry Seinfeld didn’t grow up rich at all which could play a role in his generosity. His dad was a sign maker and his mother appears to have been a homemaker. Seinfeld was raised on Long Island and has described himself as having a happy and loving childhood.

It’s safe to assume that Seinfeld likely grew up in a normal American middle-class home without any extravagance. Now that he does have the ability to have an extravagant lifestyle, he does share what he has with those who are less fortunate.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jerry Seinfeld (@jerryseinfeld)

Seinfeld has his own organization called GOOD+ that he run with his wife Jessica. The GOOD+ foundation is based in New York City with the goal of aiding those in poverty and actively working to dismantle generational poverty.

GOOD+ helps recipients with food, clothing, toys, and other household objects they may need. They also provide job and educational assistance, parenting classes, assistance applying for aid, and a supportive community.

This is a very worthy organization that Seinfeld and his family run together. His wife Jessica is listed as the founder and CEO however Jerry plays a large role and donates personally as well as hosts events to earn even more money for charity.

Jerry Seinfeld Spreads His Wealth

Not only does Jerry contribute to GOOD+, but he’s also affiliated with a long list of charities. He also does shows with the intention of giving all proceeds to charity, including shows to support those affected by hurricanes, flooding, and more.

Seinfeld apparently makes an estimated $40-$50 million a year and donates an estimated 4-5% of his earnings each year, which adds up to a couple million. He has made a fortune being funny, but he’s earned a reputation for being altruistic by giving huge amounts away.