JUST IN: BILL GATES ANNOUNCES PLAN TO DONATE 99% OF HIS WEALTH, SHUTS DOWN FOUNDATION BY 2045.
On May 8, 2025, Bill Gates revealed his decision to donate 99% of his estimated $200 billion fortune, leaving just 1%—around $1.6 billion—for himself and his family. This announcement marks a significant turning point for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which Gates announced will officially close by December 31, 2045.
Gates Notes, the Microsoft co-founder explained, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them. There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.”
Founded in 2000 with his then-wife Melinda French Gates, the Gates Foundation has spent over $100 billion on initiatives targeting global health, poverty, and education. Notable achievements include co-founding Gavi and the Global Fund, supporting vaccine development, and helping reduce child mortality from diseases like diarrhea by 75%.
In a departure from the foundation’s original sunset clause—intended to end operations decades after Gates’ and Melinda’s deaths—he stated, “I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments.”
Despite some criticism regarding his influence on global health policy, Gates emphasized his right to direct his fortune toward causes he believes in, saying, “Like any private citizen, I can choose how to spend the money I earn.”
As the foundation prepares for its final 20 years, Gates affirmed his commitment to saving and improving lives: “We will continue to bring together foundations, non-profits, governments, and the private sector to solve big problems—as we have done for 25 years.”
