Melinda French Gates Steps Down From Gates Foundation, Announces $12.5 Billion In Funding For Women And Family Initiatives

Melinda French Gates, the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced her resignation from the organization effective June 7, 2024. This move marks the end of an era for one of the world's most influential charitable organizations, known for its contributions to global health, education, and poverty alleviation.

Melinda French Gates, who co-founded the foundation with her ex-husband Bill Gates in 2000, has been a driving force behind many of its most impactful initiatives. Her decision to step down comes three years after the couple's separation and is part of a broader transition within the foundation. Despite the change, both parties have expressed a commitment to continuing their philanthropic work.

In a statement announcing her resignation, French Gates highlighted her intention to focus on her own philanthropic efforts, particularly in advancing women's and family issues. As part of her agreement to step down from the foundation, she will receive an additional $12.5 billion to support her future work in these areas. This substantial sum reflects the Gates Foundation's ongoing commitment to addressing global inequities and the significant role that French Gates has played in shaping its mission.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been renamed the Gates Foundation following French Gates' departure, will continue its work under the leadership of Bill Gates. The organization has made a total of $77.6 billion in charitable contributions since its inception, making it one of the largest donor organizations in the world. Its efforts have significantly impacted global health and developmental goals, including contributions to the World Health Organization and efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill Gates expressed his support for French Gates' decision, acknowledging her significant contributions to the foundation and her future impact in the philanthropic sector. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to the foundation's work across all its strategies and the opportunities it has to improve the lives of millions around the world.

French Gates' departure from the foundation marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in her philanthropic career. With $12.5 billion in funding, she is poised to make a substantial impact in the areas of women's and family issues, building on her track record of impactful philanthropy.

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Travis

Contributor

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