06:00, 07 February 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Known best for creating Microsoft, Bill Gates is a household name to be sure. Most recently, he has been in the news for his work in philanthropy, particularly with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Since the 1990s, Gates has been greatly inspired by the likes of Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, both talented businessmen who turned their eye to philanthropy. He has had a number of not-for-profit organisations over the years, but today concentrates most of his attention on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
In an interview with the BBC, Gates mentioned that he has contributed over $100 billion to philanthropic causes, with around $60 billion of that going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates’ philanthropy work is one of the things that sets him apart from other business leaders - he is one of the most famous tech billionaires giving back to important causes.
Gates was also a big part of founding The Giving Pledge, a commitment by wealthy philanthropists to donate at least half of their money to charity. Alongside Warren Buffett, he founded The Giving Pledge and has committed himself to giving away his money over the course of his life.
Gates and his wife have stated their intentions to leave each of their children around $10 million - with three children, it is believed that they will give away around 99.96% of their wealth.
Alongside his other philanthropy work, Bill Gates has set up Breakthrough Energy; the umbrella organisation of a group of initiatives dedicated to sustainable and clean energy.
Breakthrough Energy is working with the aim of reducing our impact on climate change through technology.
Gates has supported a huge variety of charities, including the Dementia Discovery Fund. His work is not just regarding specific charities, though - he also donates a vast amount of money to causes, such as when he donated $600,000 to flood victims in India, through UNICEF.
Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates is working for positive change in a variety of areas, including sanitation, education and humanitarian efforts.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Fore. This charity is transforming lives and society by turbo-charging exceptional small charities and social enterprises. Support them here.
The Brother’s Trust. This charity is run by Tom Holland’s family, aiming to shine a light on charities where generous donations can be used to maximum effect. Find out more.
The Henry Smith Charity. This is a grant giving charity that aims to use its resources to help people and communities in the UK. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.
