Bill Gates Commits Entire $107 Billion Fortune to Charity, Plans to Close Gates Foundation by 2045.
In a historic move that redefines modern philanthropy, Bill Gates has pledged 99% of his remaining tech fortune—estimated today at $107 billion—to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation, already one of the most influential charitable organizations in the world, will now spend down its endowment and close its doors by 2045, two decades earlier than previously planned.
“It’s kind of thrilling to have that much to be able to put into these causes,” Gates said in an interview with the Associated Press, capturing the deep sense of purpose driving his decision. The move sets a new standard for giving, placing Gates in the rare company of historic philanthropists like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie—yet surpassing even their legendary contributions when adjusted for inflation. Only Warren Buffett’s commitment to donate his fortune, currently valued at $160 billion, may be larger depending on market fluctuations.
One of the Largest Philanthropic Gifts in History
Gates’ donation will be distributed over time, enabling the foundation to deploy an extraordinary $200 billion over the next 20 years—funding efforts to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges, from global health to educational inequality in the United States.
“I think 20 years is the right balance between giving as much as we can to make progress on these things and giving people a lot of notice that now this money will be gone,” Gates explained. His urgency underscores a belief that directing wealth toward immediate impact will save and improve countless lives today, with benefits that will extend long after the foundation ceases operations.
A Legacy of Unmatched Impact
Founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, the Gates Foundation has grown into a powerhouse of global health and development. It has already invested more than $100 billion over the past 25 years and helped shape international health policy, guided scientific research, and brokered partnerships that drive down the cost of essential medicines for low- and middle-income countries.
“The foundation work has been way more impactful than I expected,” Gates said, calling it his “second and final career.”
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About 41% of the foundation’s resources have come from Warren Buffett, with the rest funded by Gates’ Microsoft fortune. Through initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—which the foundation helped create—millions of children have received life-saving vaccinations. Between 2000 and 2020, childhood deaths from preventable causes fell by nearly half, according to United Nations data. The foundation does not take sole credit, but its leaders acknowledge its “catalytic role.”
Focused Ambitions for the Next Two Decades
As the foundation enters its final chapter, its leadership is narrowing its focus to a few ambitious priorities: eradicating polio, tackling diseases such as malaria, and addressing malnutrition—all critical areas where investment today could transform global health outcomes tomorrow.
Foundation CEO Mark Suzman acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with this unprecedented funding horizon. “Having that time horizon and the resources just puts an even greater burden on us to say, ‘Are you actually putting your resources… on what are going to be the biggest, most successful bets rather than scattering it too thinly?’”
The foundation plans to maintain an annual budget of $9 billion—a shift from the near-continuous growth seen since Buffett’s initial donations in 2006. With greater focus comes greater scrutiny, especially in a world facing conflict, economic instability, and declining global aid.
A Private Citizen with a Public Mission
Throughout its history, the Gates Foundation has both inspired and invited debate over the power of private philanthropy to influence public policy. Gates has faced questions about why a wealthy individual should hold such sway in global health.
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But to him, the answer is simple: he has the means to make a difference, and he is choosing to use it. “Is that a bad thing? It’s not an important cause? People can criticize it,” Gates said. “But the foundation will stick to its global health work.”
“It’s incredible to come up with these low-cost things and tragic if we can’t get them out to everyone who needs them,” he added. “So it’s going to require renewing that commitment of those who are well off to help those who are in the greatest need.”
Transitions and Trust
The announcement also marks a significant personal transition. In 2021, Gates and Melinda French Gates divorced. Shortly after, Buffett stepped down as a trustee. In 2024, French Gates left the foundation to focus on her own organization, Pivotal Ventures, particularly advocating for women’s rights in the U.S.
“I so trusted Mark Suzman, the current CEO,” she said. “We had a board in place that I helped put in place, and I knew their values.” She emphasized that she left at a high point to pursue new priorities amid rising threats to women’s rights.
Despite this leadership turnover, the foundation’s mission remains clear. Gates is the last of the original founders still involved, and while he plans to stay engaged, he acknowledges that at 69, he may not see the foundation’s closure himself.
A Model of Purposeful Giving
As the Gates Foundation enters its final two decades, it stands as a testament to what intentional, large-scale philanthropy can accomplish. Gates' decision to give nearly all of his wealth to causes that alleviate suffering and improve opportunity is both rare and deeply admirable.
“The greatest uncertainty for us is the generosity that will go into global health,” Gates admitted. “Will it continue to go down like it has the last few years or can we get it back to where it should be?”
With this unprecedented commitment, Gates is betting that now is the time to act—and that the impact of giving today can echo for generations.
