Paul Allen, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet will not only be doing good long after they are dead, but they will also be employing people for generations to come. Currently in Seattle, some of the largest scale construction is being done by Allen. He's redeveloping a section of town from an industrial area into a community. Sadly the economic collapse and housing bubble has put a stop to it, but hopefully we'll be back to it soon enough. I love the name for his Investment Group, Vulcan. A nerd nod to Star Trek.

So what charity has Paul Allen done so far? 3000 grants totaling 400 million according to the article here, but 900 million according to wiki. Most of them are science research based including brain research which makes sense since he has a history with brain tumors and Hodgkin's Leukemia.

Vulcan Productions was the film company behind Creation; the story of Darwin, Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, Rx for Survival and more. All of these are science or interest based. Many of them fly in the face of religion.

Mr. Allen seems to make no comments about religion directly, but his choice of projects and choices in charities speaks volumes. My A-dar is pinging a hit. The vision that is noted on his personal website;

"The Foundation's vision for transforming lives and building healthy communities guides its funding areas, which include nurturing the arts, engaging children in learning, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, and advancing scientific and technological discoveries."

Reason based efforts not seeking supernatural or mystical solutions. While Mr. Allen is taking the advisable role in not making religion an issue when you deal with many people from all walks of life, he exemplifies all that is good about atheists. This is what happens when you don't view yourself as chosen by a deity. This is purpose in life, helping others beyond your mortal existence. I applaud you Mr. Allen.