Bill Gates pledges to donate nearly entire fortune by 2045

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has announced plans to give away nearly all of his personal wealth within the next two decades, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation set to close by December 31, 2045. Gates, whose net worth is estimated at $108 billion, said the foundation aims to spend around $200 billion by then, depending on market conditions.

Marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary, Gates emphasized the urgency of addressing global health and poverty challenges, especially as several major donor governments, including the U.S., U.K., and France, reduce international aid. He stressed that while philanthropy plays a key role, government support remains critical for tackling issues like polio and malaria.

The foundation, co-established with Melinda French Gates and later joined by Warren Buffett, has donated over $100 billion to date. Gates urged other wealthy individuals to increase their giving to accelerate progress for the world’s poorest communities.