Since it seems like the whole world is covering Michael Jackson, I thought it was only fitting to bring you a recent post from the Philanthropy Potluck about Michael Jackson's philanthropic efforts. From Philanthropy Potluck: News about Jackson’s death got me wondering was Jackson a philanthropist? The answer is, “Yes.”

According to Wikipedia, Jackson donated over $300 million to charity over the course of his lifetime. Among his most notable contributions to philanthropy were his musical ones. He wrote and performed two hit singles that had a huge impact philanthropically.

Sales of “We are the World,” co-written with Lionel Richie in 1985, raised over $100 million for USA for Africa. Similarly, the proceeds of the “Heal the World” single, and the subsequent tour, were all donated to charity.

Say what you might about Michael Jackson. There’s a lot there to talk about–the outfits, the scandals, the weird pet chimp. Despite of all the dross, you can’t deny he gave a lot.

In fact, I would even go so far as to say that there’s something that we can take away from the charitable work that Jackson did while he was alive. Namely, a lesson about the power of using your own personal talents to become a philanthropist.

Read the rest of the post here.