In May 2025, Bill Gates announced a transformative shift in his philanthropic strategy: he plans to donate 99% of his estimated $108 billion fortune over the next two decades, culminating in the closure of the Gates Foundation by December 31, 2045.

This decision is driven by a sense of urgency to address pressing global challenges such as preventable diseases, poverty, and educational disparities. Gates emphasized that accelerating the foundation’s spending—projected to exceed $200 billion—can have a more immediate and profound impact on global health and development. (Gates Foundation)

Gates’s approach challenges the traditional model of perpetual foundations, advocating instead for “giving while living.” He draws inspiration from philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie and Chuck Feeney, who believed in addressing societal issues within their lifetimes.

By setting a definitive end date for the foundation, Gates aims to maximize its effectiveness and encourage other wealthy individuals to consider similar commitments. (Financial Times)

Concurrently, Gates has been vocal in criticizing significant cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), overseen by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He warns that these reductions could lead to millions of preventable deaths, particularly among children in impoverished regions.

Gates underscores the irreplaceable role of government aid in global health initiatives and urges a reevaluation of such policy decisions.

In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Gates released his memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings,” in February 2025. The book offers an introspective look into his early life, the founding of Microsoft, and the experiences that shaped his worldview. This memoir is the first in a planned trilogy, with subsequent volumes expected to delve into his tenure at Microsoft and his philanthropic journey.

Gates’s recent initiatives reflect a deep commitment to leveraging his resources and influence to address global challenges proactively.

By setting a precedent for accelerated giving and advocating for sustained government support in international development, he continues to shape the discourse on effective philanthropy and social responsibility.