Gates to Dole Out Billions, End Foundation by 2045

Bill Gates, renowned for his technological genius, is planning a monumental shift in his philanthropic endeavors by closing the Gates Foundation and redistributing his immense wealth by 2045.

Quick Takes

Bill Gates aims to divest nearly all of his $200 billion fortune by 2045.
The Gates Foundation will cease operations on December 31, 2045.
The initiative is informed by Andrew Carnegie’s “The Gospel of Wealth.”
Bill Gates has voiced concerns about decreases in U.S. and European foreign aid.

Philanthropic Vision and Closure

Bill Gates is set to relinquish a fortune amassed over decades, with plans to donate virtually all of it through the Gates Foundation by 2045. In its 25th year, the Foundation will close, having distributed approximately $200 billion. Gates’ decision is influenced by Andrew Carnegie’s “The Gospel of Wealth,” reflecting on the disgrace of dying rich.

The closure coincides with his concern over reduced foreign aid from Western governments, impacting global health initiatives. “Even with our foundation’s deep pockets, we cannot fill these gaps alone,” Gates cautioned, highlighting the necessity of sustained governmental support.

Gates’ Outlook and Charitable Avenues

Gates aims to reduce his $108 billion net worth by 99% over two decades, focusing on global health, poverty, and education. The Foundation, instrumental in reducing childhood mortality, spent $100 billion introducing medical innovations worldwide. Gates envisions a future where 5 million preventable child deaths annually are reduced to 4 million, contingent on reversing foreign aid cuts.

“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,” stated Gates.

The Foundation supported programs like Gavi, focusing on accessible vaccines for treatable illnesses. With its annual budget projected at $9 billion by 2026, Gates calls on peers to enhance their philanthropy to help the world’s most vulnerable populations.

After announcing the decision to give away almost his entire personal wealth by 2045, Bill Gates told @Reuters the world's poorest would receive $200 billion via his foundation. More here: https://t.co/hkvGYHzvmZ pic.twitter.com/NwUsb92lDK

— Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) May 8, 2025

Personal Changes and Future Endeavors

Following his divorce from Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett’s resignation as a trustee, the Foundation’s approach evolved. Melinda now independently tackles women’s rights issues in the U.S. Gates humorously assured that he would save enough money for essentials, indicating his contentment with this financial transition.

The Foundation’s strategic philanthropy underscores the necessity of governmental backing to complement individual efforts. This historic philanthropic transition marks the “largest philanthropic commitment in modern history” by Gates, as he enters the last chapter of his storied career, approaching 70.