Bill Gates announces plan to give ‘virtually all’ his money away and end the Gates Foundation in 20 years

CNN - May 8th, 2025

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, announced a significant shift in his philanthropic strategy, revealing plans to donate nearly all of his $200 billion fortune to the Gates Foundation within the next 20 years. The foundation, co-founded with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates, is set to close by December 31, 2045. This decision comes amid concerns about reduced public funding for health and foreign aid under the Trump administration, prompting Gates to accelerate initiatives focused on global health, disease eradication, and poverty alleviation. Gates' announcement underscores his commitment to philanthropy, building on the Giving Pledge he co-launched in 2010 with Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett.

The Gates Foundation, recognized as one of the largest philanthropic organizations globally, has already disbursed over $100 billion since 2000. Gates’ decision to intensify his giving marks what the foundation calls the “largest philanthropic commitment in modern history.” The move is also intended to inspire other billionaires to contribute significantly to global causes. Despite the foundation's impressive track record in advancing vaccines and treatments, Gates expressed concern over stagnant health trends but remains optimistic about advancements in artificial intelligence potentially catalyzing progress. His declaration coincides with Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, reflecting his desire to redistribute his wealth amassed from the company, aligning with his vision of not dying wealthy.

Donald Trump Microsoft Bill Gates Gates Foundation Philanthropy Global Health Melinda French Gates Giving Pledge

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RATING

8.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a comprehensive and accurate account of Bill Gates' announcement to give away virtually all of his wealth and the future plans for the Gates Foundation. It effectively balances perspectives by highlighting both Gates' motivations and the potential challenges faced by the foundation. The use of credible sources and clear language enhances the story's reliability and readability. While the story could benefit from additional viewpoints from independent experts, it remains a well-rounded piece that addresses topics of significant public interest. The article's timeliness and potential impact on public opinion and philanthropic practices further contribute to its overall quality.

Accuracy

The news story is highly accurate, with most of its claims substantiated by multiple credible sources. For instance, the claim that Bill Gates plans to distribute virtually all of his wealth within the next 20 years and close the Gates Foundation by 2045 is well-supported by official statements and press releases. The story accurately reflects Gates' net worth of $108 billion and his ranking as the fifth wealthiest person in the world, which are consistent with Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. However, the context of U.S. government funding cuts under the Trump administration is mentioned but not directly confirmed, although it aligns with known policy trends. Overall, the story presents a factual and verifiable account of Gates' philanthropic announcement.

Balance

The story presents a balanced view of Bill Gates' philanthropic plans, highlighting both the positive impact on global health and equity initiatives and the potential challenges posed by reduced government funding. It includes Gates' motivations and aspirations while also mentioning Melinda French Gates' separate philanthropic plans, providing a comprehensive perspective on the Gates Foundation's future. However, the story could have included more viewpoints from independent experts or critics to enhance the balance of perspectives.

Clarity

The language and structure of the story are clear and concise, making it easy to understand. The logical flow of information from Gates' announcement to the foundation's future plans is well-organized, and the tone remains neutral throughout. The story effectively communicates complex financial and philanthropic concepts without overwhelming the reader. Overall, the clarity of the article supports reader comprehension and engagement.

Source quality

The sources referenced in the story, such as the Gates Foundation press release and Bloomberg's Billionaires Index, are credible and authoritative. The story relies on official statements from Bill Gates and the foundation, ensuring reliable attribution. The use of multiple independent sources to corroborate the claims further enhances the credibility of the reporting. There is no indication of potential conflicts of interest affecting the impartiality of the sources used.

Transparency

The story provides clear context regarding Bill Gates' announcement and the foundation's future plans. It explains the basis for Gates' decision and the potential impact on global health initiatives. However, the story could be more transparent about the methodology used to estimate the $200 billion figure and the specific sources of information regarding U.S. government funding cuts. Despite this, the story remains transparent in its presentation of Gates' motivations and the foundation's goals.