Bill Gates to Donate 99% of Wealth, Shut Down Foundation by 2045

 Gates Plans $200 Billion Impact Before 2045 Wind-Down of Philanthropic Legacy

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s most influential charitable organizations, will be shut down by 2045. The decision comes as Gates pledges to donate 99% of his remaining $107 billion fortune, marking one of the most historic philanthropic commitments ever recorded.

In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Gates revealed that the planned wind-down will enable the foundation to spend an additional $200 billion over the next two decades. The funds will be channeled into the foundation’s core mission areas—healthcare, poverty alleviation, and education, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

“I think 20 years is the right balance between giving as much as we can to make progress on these things and giving people a lot of notice that now this money will be gone,” Gates explained.

The announcement has been received with both admiration and reflection across the philanthropic and development sectors. Gates’ decision to sunset the foundation not only sets a new bar for giving but also signals a shift in how long-term philanthropic planning can be approached.

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A Historic Act of Giving

Since its establishment in 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has already spent over $100 billion on initiatives aimed at transforming global health, education, and sanitation systems. Some of its most notable contributions include:

• Launching Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has vaccinated millions of children worldwide.
• Supporting the Global Fund, which fights HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• Investing in sanitation innovation, helping reduce disease spread in developing nations.
• Funding educational reforms and access programs for underserved communities.

The foundation’s impact has been amplified by Warren Buffett, Gates’ longtime friend and fellow billionaire, who has contributed 41% of the total funds deployed by the foundation. Their partnership helped institutionalize a new era of mega-philanthropy, pushing others in the global elite to commit large portions of their wealth to social causes.

Gates emphasized that the foundation is not simply a charitable institution but the “second and final career” of his life. Having stepped back from full-time work at Microsoft, he devoted his time and resources to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Challenging Other Billionaires

In his interview, Gates was quick to challenge his peers in the billionaire class, urging them to do more.

“I’d love to be beat in all of this work,” he said. “Somebody should try and pay more taxes than I did, save more lives than I did, and give more money than I did.”

Gates has been a vocal advocate of wealth redistribution through philanthropy and taxation, stating in the past that billionaires should contribute more to public good through both charitable giving and equitable taxation.

This latest announcement appears to be a continuation of that philosophy—radical generosity paired with accountability, and a commitment to solving global problems through strategic giving, rather than endless accumulation of wealth.

A Gradual Wind-Down with Sustained Impact

Despite the planned closure in 2045, Gates assured that the foundation would continue operating at full strength in the coming years. The process of winding down will be gradual, with strategic milestones and continued investment in scientific research, global healthcare access, educational initiatives, and policy reform efforts.

The 20-year runway provides the organization ample time to institutionalize its legacy, build sustainable programs, and prepare local and international partners to carry the torch beyond the foundation’s lifetime.

Experts say this model—planned sunsetting of a philanthropic organization—could become a new standard, especially as more billionaires explore structured, time-bound giving. Unlike traditional endowments that last in perpetuity, the Gates Foundation will focus on maximizing impact now, rather than maintaining funds indefinitely.

Global Reactions and Reflections

Global health organizations, educational leaders, and nonprofit advocates have responded with respect and gratitude. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously described Gates as a “pivotal figure” in improving vaccine access and global disease prevention.

Development economist Dr. Amina Olayemi described the announcement as “the most strategic and accountable approach to wealth philanthropy in modern history.”

“Gates has redefined what it means to give not just generously, but effectively. This isn’t just about money—it’s about long-term systems change,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to 2045 begins, the Gates Foundation is expected to intensify its efforts across Africa, Asia, and other vulnerable regions, addressing climate-related health challenges, education access, and gender equality, among other priorities.

The philanthropic world will watch closely as this bold new chapter unfolds—one that not only demonstrates the power of wealth for good, but also reminds the world that true legacy lies not in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.