Barron and Conrad Hilton each bequeathed 97 percent of their respective estates to the Foundation.

Barron Hilton inspecting the newly opened New Orleans Hilton in 1977.
Barron Hilton inspecting the newly opened New Orleans Hilton in 1977.

Following the philanthropic legacy of his father, Barron Hilton will be most remembered for his generous philanthropy. In 1979, Conrad N. Hilton bequeathed 97 percent of his estate to his charitable foundation. In 2007, Barron Hilton announced his plans to leave 97 percent of his estate to the Foundation that bears his father’s name. In light of his long-planned commitment, Hilton joined the Giving Pledge, a group of the world’s wealthiest individuals and families who promise to leave more than half of their wealth to philanthropic organizations. (Other notable individuals who are part of the Giving Pledge include Warren Buffett, Michael R. Bloomberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates.)

L to R: Former Hilton Foundation Chairman Don Hubbs and Barron Hilton cutting the ribbon at the newly expanded Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston in 1989.

By the time he died, Hilton’s bequest surpassed the amount bequeathed by his father, with assets recently growing to approximately $7 billion. His gift ensures that the Foundation’s philanthropic work will continue to expand for many years to come.

Since its inception in 1944, the Hilton Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 billion in grants, distributing nearly $290 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2023.

Our founder Conrad N. Hilton and his son Barron Hilton, who followed in his philanthropic footsteps.

Today, the Foundation stands as testimony to the hard work of our two benefactors. We invest in 11 program areas, working closely with our partners and grantees to help improve the lives of individuals living in poverty and experiencing disadvantage throughout the world.

The board of directors of the Hilton Foundation diligently follow the guidance of our founder. In his will, Conrad N. Hilton stated, “As the funds you will expend have come from many places of the world, so let there be no territorial, religious, or other color restrictions on your benefactions.”