Bill Gates Fast-Tracks $200B Philanthropy Initiative, Gates Foundation to Conclude by 2045
Bill Gates, in May 2025, announced his decision to expedite his philanthropic endeavors, pledging to spend $200 billion over the forthcoming 20 years, leading to the ultimate closure of the Gates Foundation in 2045. This commitment marks the most substantial philanthropic pledge in contemporary history, doubling the previous spending rate of the foundation.
The co-founder of Microsoft intends to donate nearly all of his remaining fortune—currently valued at over $100 billion—to address global health issues, diminish child mortality rates, and fight infectious diseases. Over its initial 25 years, the foundation has already expended over $100 billion and has contributed to the preservation of 82 million lives through its vaccine initiatives.
Gates attributed the urgency surrounding current global health emergencies and recent reductions in international aid funding as primary motivators for the expedited timeline. The lion’s share of the $200 billion will be allocated towards health and development projects in Africa, signifying a notable deviation from the conventional perpetual foundation model.
Source: Gates Foundation