Bill Gates Reveals Bold Plan: $200 Billion to Be Donated Foundation to Close by 2045
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has announced an ambitious timeline to give away nearly all his wealth and wind down the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by the end of 2045.
Originally envisioned to outlive its founders and continue supporting global causes for decades, the Gates Foundation will now shift into high gear. Gates shared in a personal blog post that he plans to distribute roughly $200 billion—drawing from both his personal fortune and the foundation’s resources—within the next 20 years.
This major decision comes at a time when government spending on global health and aid is shrinking, putting more pressure on private philanthropy. Gates said he’s motivated by the urgency of the challenges facing the world today and hopes his move will inspire fellow billionaires to act now rather than later.
“I don’t want to be remembered as someone who died rich,” Gates wrote. “The world has too many urgent problems to justify holding on to wealth that could make a difference.”
The Gates Foundation has already invested over $100 billion since its launch in 2000, backing initiatives in vaccine development, disease prevention, maternal health, and poverty reduction. Its future focus will zero in on three global goals: ending preventable maternal and infant deaths, eliminating infectious diseases, and helping millions escape extreme poverty.
Though his current net worth stands at $108 billion, Gates expects that to drop by 99% as he continues his philanthropic mission. Much of the funding will come from the foundation’s $77 billion endowment and profits from ventures like his nuclear energy startup, TerraPower.
Gates also expressed optimism about how artificial intelligence could accelerate global progress if paired with smart investments. However, he also took aim at fellow tech mogul Elon Musk in a recent interview, criticizing cuts to foreign aid programs that he believes are harming the world’s most vulnerable populations.
This announcement follows the foundation’s recent leadership shift after Melinda French Gates, Gates’ former wife, stepped away from the organization. She has indicated she will pursue her own charitable initiatives independently.
As Microsoft celebrates 50 years since its founding, Gates says it’s only fitting to channel the wealth it generated toward solving the world’s toughest challenges—while he’s still around to help make it happen.
