Bill Gates Pledges 99% of Fortune to Foundation, Sets 20-Year Deadline for Impact

SEATTLE – In a monumental philanthropic move, Bill Gates has pledged to donate 99% of his remaining tech fortune to the Gates Foundation, committing an estimated $107 billion to causes aimed at improving global health and education. However, in a surprising turn, Gates announced that the foundation would close its doors in 2045—20 years earlier than originally planned.

This donation is one of the largest ever, surpassing even the legendary contributions of industrialists like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie when adjusted for inflation. Only Warren Buffett’s pledge to donate his fortune, valued at around $160 billion, could surpass it, depending on market fluctuations.

A Lasting Legacy with an Expedited Timeline

Gates’ donation will be spread over the next two decades, enabling the foundation to continue its vital work, including funding medical advancements and educational initiatives, with an additional $200 billion in resources. Gates is thrilled to have such significant funds to contribute to these causes, saying, “It’s kind of thrilling to have that much to be able to put into these causes.”

This announcement not only reaffirms Gates’ commitment to global health and education but also signals the end of the foundation’s global influence. “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 said, acknowledging that the 20-year timeframe offers clarity while still allowing for substantial impact.

The Foundation’s Unmatched Influence and Reach

Since its inception in 2000, the Gates Foundation has been a trailblazer in global health, often working in partnership with governments and private sectors to provide affordable treatments for low- and middle-income countries. With an estimated 41% of its funds coming from Warren Buffett, the foundation has spent over $100 billion on global health initiatives.

Despite facing criticism over its considerable influence on world health policy, the foundation has consistently delivered positive results, particularly in reducing childhood deaths and preventing diseases like polio and malaria. Gates credits the foundation’s global health work as “way more impactful than I expected,” calling it his “second and final career.”

A Push for Immediate Impact, A Plan for the Future

Looking ahead, Gates is focused on ensuring that the remaining funds will address critical issues such as polio eradication, controlling deadly diseases, and alleviating malnutrition. “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?’” said Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO.

The foundation’s $9 billion annual budget is expected to be directed towards top priorities, with some uncertainty about which programs will be sustained in the final 20 years.

The Changing Landscape of Philanthropy

The foundation has undergone significant changes recently, with Bill and Melinda French Gates divorcing in 2021 and Buffett stepping down as a trustee. In 2024, French Gates left to focus on her own organization, Pivotal Ventures, leaving Bill Gates as the sole remaining founder. French Gates cited her desire to combat the rollback of women’s rights in the U.S. as part of the reason for her departure.

Despite the challenges, including global conflicts and economic uncertainty, Gates remains optimistic about the foundation’s ability to continue making an impact. “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 said. Gates is determined to see these innovations reach those who need them most, stressing the importance of continued support from wealthy donors.

The Road Ahead: Uncertainty and Hope

Gates recognizes that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges. Ongoing crises such as the conflict in Ukraine and economic instability may result in fewer resources for global health initiatives. However, Gates believes in the potential for a renewed commitment to those in need: “It’s going to require renewing that commitment of those who are well off to help those who are in the greatest need.”

As Gates prepares to focus on his remaining years of giving, he remains hopeful that his legacy, and that of the foundation, will continue to shape the future of philanthropy long after it closes its doors in 2045.