Social worker known for being frugal left $11 million to children’s charities

Alan Naiman’s story will always remain a timeless source of inspiration. He was not a celebrity nor a notable person in the fields of sports and politics. He was a social worker. But upon his death, the world learned about his name.

Known to his friends as a man who knew the value of money, Alan lived a frugal life. He wore old shoes repaired with duct tape, bought shirts at local grocery stores, and often ate at affordable fast food chains. Looking at his lifestyle, he truly was a man of simplicity.

But when he died of cancer in January 2018, at 63 years old, it turned out that there was more to Alan Naiman than met the eye. Alan may have been frugal, but the money he saved was allocated to a greater cause.

Unbeknownst to most people, he was able to save millions of dollars, which he intended to donate to organizations supporting abused, poor, sick, and disabled children.

In short, upon his death, his $11 million estate was donated to charities.

“He left it all to charities — mostly to kids, the section of society that couldn’t really help themselves.” A close friend of Alan Naiman, Shashi Karan, shared in an interview.

Alan dedicated two decades of his life working at Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services, where he earned about $67,200 annually. Before that, he worked as a banker in the ’80s.

“He made a career change into social services probably around the time he was fostering,” the spokeswoman of Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families shared her opinion about the late social worker.

Alan’s $11 million fortune was the result of the wealth he inherited from his parents, as well as the money he enjoyed saving from his paychecks.

“Saving money was sort of a game to him,” Karan said. “He would brag about how he had a whole day out and didn’t have to spend a single cent.”

But Alan didn’t only concern himself with saving money. Once in a while, he would spoil himself with the things he loved. When his beloved brother died in 2013, he treated himself to a Scion FR-S sports car.

“It’s a nice little sports car, but it’s not a Mustang, Corvette, or Porsche — things he easily could have afforded,” Karan added.

Originally, Alan wanted to travel and explore the world. He also considered buying a nice house with a scenic view. Unfortunately, none of this came to pass when he was diagnosed with cancer.

What could have inspired Alan to save his money and donate it all to children in need? His friends believe it was because of his disabled older brother, Daniel.

According to Susan Madsen, Alan’s friend, Alan’s tight relationship with his brother “kind of colored the way he looked at things.”

Because of this, even though Alan never married and had no children of his own, he decided to allocate the money he saved throughout his life to benefit children in need. So, Alan spent the remaining time of his life researching charities for children.

Karan said that her deceased friend would often say that, just like Bill Gates, he would like to work and commit himself to foundations.

“My gift is going to be bigger than their annual budget. It’s going to blow them away.” Alan reportedly told Karan when he was still living.

As it turned out, this social worker was serious about his goal. Upon his death, it was revealed that he gave $2.5 million to a Washington State charity that dedicates its foundation to helping kids exposed to opiates, cocaine, and drugs.

“We first became aware of Alan’s generosity last fall when we received a $10,000 donation from him online,” the Pediatric Interim Care Center shared in an interview.

“Thinking that large amount might be a mistake, we called him to make sure he had entered the right number of zeroes! Yes, he confirmed, the donation was correct, and more would come in the future.”

The generous social worker assured the Pediatric Interim Care Center that the large amount of money was all for the benefit of children under their care.

In a letter, Alan revealed that, back when he was just starting his career at the Department of Social and Health Services, he was trying to find a home for a delicate baby. It was the center’s founder who personally came to his office and took the child.

Another organization was blessed to receive Alan’s generous kindness. The Treehouse received an initial $5,000 months before Alan died. Upon his death, they were surprised to learn that a larger sum had been donated.

“Then, shortly after his passing, we learned he would be donating an additional $900,000. The donation is completely unexpected.” Jessica Ross, the Chief Development Officer, revealed.

Alan may have died at 63, but he sure lived a meaningful life. Aside from the Pediatric Interim Care Center and the Treehouse, he also donated money to the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, WestSide Baby, the Catholic church of his parents, and the Disabled American Veterans.

“For someone to live their life the way Alan did — and then leave a legacy like this to so many worthy organizations — is an inspiration,” Jessica Ross added. “We’re so thankful to be a part of this. What a generous, loving man.”

They say that money is the root of all evil. But Alan’s inspiring life proves that it’s not really about the money but what you do with it. Indeed, our world is full of kind people who know the importance of sharing and caring!

Originally published in 2018.