Chuck Collins is an American economist, author, activist, and senior scholar at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C., where he directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good. He specializes in wealth inequality, progressive taxation, philanthropy reform, and economic justice. Born into a wealthy family as an heir to the Bird's Eye frozen foods fortune, Collins famously renounced his inheritance in 1992, donating approximately $500,000 to establish the Jennifer and Jonathan Allan Family Foundation, which supports community development and social justice initiatives. This act marked the beginning of his career advocating for economic justice, challenging wealth concentration, and promoting policies to reduce inequality. He co-founded United for a Fair Economy in 1995 and has been a key voice in campaigns for higher taxes on the rich, closing offshore tax havens, and ensuring billionaires pay their fair share. Collins has authored several influential books, including 'Born on Third Base: How Charity Can Bring Down the 1%' (2016) and 'The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Must Open the Door to Social Justice' (2021), drawing from personal experience to critique how philanthropy often perpetuates rather than dismantles systemic inequities. He frequently contributes to major outlets like The New York Times, The Nation, and CNN, and has testified before Congress on economic disparity issues. His work emphasizes building coalitions across class lines to address the growing wealth gap, and he is critical of donor-advised funds like those managed by the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, which he argues enable tax avoidance without genuine charitable impact. Collins's personal journey from privilege to advocacy has made him a compelling figure in progressive circles, inspiring others to use wealth for social good. He continues to lecture at universities and conferences, advocating for a more equitable society amid rising billionaire influence in politics and philanthropy.