Cao Dewang's first autobiography was called "Heart Ruo Bodhi" Since his first donation in 1983, Cao Dewang has donated a total of 160 billion yuan. In 2010, he founded the first national non-public foundation operating with financial assets (stocks) in China.
In May 2021, the Heren Charity Foundation announced plans to invest 5 billion yuan to prepare for the establishment of "Fuyao University of Science and Technology" in southwest Fuzhou. The university is designed according to the idea of an open campus.