Bill Gates pledges his remaining fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will close in 20 years - AP News

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 12:03 pm

Bill Gates to Donate Remaining Fortune to Gates Foundation, Closing in 2045

In a landmark move, Bill Gates has announced he will donate nearly all of his remaining wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, totaling an estimated $107 billion. This massive philanthropic commitment, representing 99% of his fortune, will allow the foundation to spend an additional $200 billion over the next two decades. The foundation, co-founded with Melinda French Gates, will now close in 2045, earlier than previously planned.

This significant shift in strategy aims to accelerate progress in key areas like global health and education, particularly in the U.S. The foundation, known for its global impact, has played a crucial role in scientific research, technological advancements, and partnerships with countries and companies. The foundation's work has been way more impactful than I expected, Gates said, calling it his second and final career.

The Gates Foundation has a long history of supporting initiatives to reduce childhood deaths, eradicate diseases like polio and malaria, and combat malnutrition. The foundation's CEO Mark Suzman is careful to say they do not take credit for this accomplishment. But he believes they had a catalytic role for example, in helping deliver vaccines to children through Gavi, the vaccine alliance they helped create.

While the foundation has faced criticism regarding its influence on global health policy, Gates remains optimistic about the future. The foundation will maintain a budget of around $9 billion a year, focusing on its top priorities. Despite challenges like global conflicts and economic uncertainty, Gates emphasizes the importance of continued support for those in need.

Keywords: Bill Gates, Gates Foundation, philanthropy, donation, global health, education, childhood deaths, Melinda French Gates, Mark Suzman, Warren Buffett, Microsoft, global health policy, malaria, polio, malnutrition, vaccine alliance, Gavi, philanthropic gifts, closing, 2045, wealth, fortune.

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