Cao has accumulated 26 billion yuan in donations, most of which are donated through the foundation managed by Cao's family, rather than the well-known China Red Cross and china charity federation.

Heren Charity Foundation was initiated by Cao, the founder and chairman of Fuyao Glass Group, the first automobile glass manufacturer in China and the second largest in the world. It was registered and established in the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China on June 7, 20 10. At present, the fund is RMB 3.549 billion. It is the largest charitable foundation in China at present.