Bill Gates has committed to giving away 99 percent of his wealth—estimated at over $100 billion—to charitable causes. Alongside this pledge, he announced that the Gates Foundation will conclude its operations by 2045.

Founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, with early support from Warren Buffett, the foundation has become one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Over the past 25 years, it has directed more than $100 million toward efforts to reduce poverty, improve global health, and expand access to education and technology.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to double its annual spending to $200 million over the next two decades. This acceleration is intended to drive progress in key areas such as reducing childhood mortality, developing affordable vaccines, and addressing health inequities in low-income countries.

The decision to spend down the foundation’s resources reflects a strategic shift from its original plan to operate well beyond Gates’ lifetime. Instead, the focus will now be on maximizing impact within a defined timeframe.

While the Gates Foundation will remain a major force in philanthropy over the coming years, its leaders emphasize that private funding cannot replace the scale or reach of government investment. Gates has raised concerns about declining government support and U.S. cuts to foreign aid starting in 2026—a move he warns could undermine progress in public health.

Still, the foundation’s renewed urgency—and its unprecedented financial commitment—signal a determination to make measurable gains while time and resources remain to create lasting change in global health and development.