THE MONEY: Canadian native still retains billions from stock grants and options as first eBay employee. Has been steadily selling shares to fund efforts to deliver socially conscious messages and solve world problems. Hefty gains in hedge fund portfolio; stake in Elon Musk’s Tesla appreciated as shares more than doubled. Profits from recent hits at film production company plowed into new TV network.

BUZZ: One of few philanthropists ever to give away at least $1 billion in lifetime, according to published reports. Used sales of eBay shares to launch Skoll Foundation, which has donated more than $500 million to social entrepreneurs with plans to solve global problems; still has more than $500 million in assets. Socially conscious production company Participant Media garnered 34 Oscar nominations, including 12 for 2012 epic “Lincoln.” Participant launched Pivot pay television channel last year, aimed at “socially passionate millennials”; both now housed at offices close to Beverly Hills City Hall. He hosts annual Skoll World Forum gabfest in Oxford, England. Born in Montreal, father owned chemical company; mother a teacher. After Stanford M.B.A., joined eBay founder Pierre Omidyar as company’s first full-time employee before leaving in 1996.

NET WORTH: $3.24 billion

LAST YEAR: Not on list

AGE: 49

RESIDENCE: Beverly Hills

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Internet commerce