In a bold announcement, Bill Gates revealed that he plans to give away the vast majority of his fortune — nearly 99% of it — in the next two decades. The Microsoft co-founder, whose current net worth stands at approximately $114 billion, stated that his goal is to drastically reduce that figure, bringing it closer to zero by 2045.
An Accelerated Giving Timeline
In a blog post published Thursday, Gates shared that he is accelerating his philanthropic plans, funneling the majority of his wealth into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation will focus on fighting global diseases and addressing urgent humanitarian challenges. After spending everything it can to create immediate impact, the Gates Foundation will formally close its doors in 2045.
Gates explained that while the exact amount the foundation will give away depends on economic conditions like market performance and inflation, his targeted estimate is over $200 billion in spending by the time the foundation sunsets.
“People will say a lot of things about me when I die,” Gates wrote. “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.”
Why Now? A World in Urgent Need
The decision to speed up his giving comes from Gates’ increasing concern over the mounting global crises — from disease and poverty to climate change and inequality. The Gates Foundation has already made significant strides over the past two decades in combating HIV/AIDS, polio, tuberculosis, malaria, and in improving child health and vaccination access.
Now approaching his 70th birthday this fall, Gates is preparing for what he calls the “next chapter” of his life. After discussions with the Foundation’s board, he came to believe that its mission can — and should — be accomplished sooner.
“I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline,” he said, “especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners.”
A Sunset Strategy with Global Impact
Originally, the foundation was structured to operate for two decades after Gates’ death. But with the new plan, it will ramp up its efforts immediately, doubling its annual giving and intensifying its global partnerships. Its focus areas will include:
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Global health
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Education
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Poverty alleviation
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Climate innovation
Gates emphasized that the new approach will offer more predictability to governments and nonprofits that rely on the foundation’s support. And despite the sheer size of the donation, he said he has no concern about his own financial situation:
“I’ll still be comfortable,” he noted, underscoring that financial security doesn’t have to come at the expense of social responsibility.
The Gates Approach: Data-Driven Giving
Gates’ philanthropy is characterized by what experts have dubbed “The Gates Approach” — a strategy that combines scientific research, public-private collaboration, and data-driven implementation. Rather than simply writing checks, the foundation:
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Funds cutting-edge research to eradicate diseases
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Works with governments to deploy vaccines
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Applies data and technology to improve delivery systems and program efficiency
“The Gates Foundation’s mission remains rooted in the idea that where you are born should not determine your opportunities,” Gates wrote. “I am excited to see how our next chapter continues to move the world closer to a future where everyone everywhere has the chance to live a healthy and productive life.”
Three Defining Goals by 2045
Under this new, accelerated timeline, the Gates Foundation has identified three central goals to achieve by its closure in 2045:
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No mother or child dies from a preventable cause
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The world eliminates deadly infectious diseases
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Hundreds of millions rise out of poverty
Inspiring a Legacy of Generosity
Gates also reiterated his hope that other billionaires will follow his lead. By putting action behind his words — and wealth behind his ideals — he’s sending a message to the world’s wealthiest individuals: Giving while living can change the world in real time.
While the full impact of this historic pledge will unfold over the next two decades, one thing is clear — Bill Gates doesn’t want to be remembered for what he kept, but for what he gave away.