Gates Foundation

Overview

The Gates Foundation is a private charitable foundation headquartered in Seattle. It funds work addressing poverty, disease, and inequity, with major programs in global health, global development, gender equality, education, and policy and advocacy.

History

The foundation was formed in 2000 through the consolidation of the Gates family's philanthropic organizations. It marked its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2025 and now uses the public-facing name Gates Foundation while retaining its legal and historical identity in existing records.

What sets it apart

The foundation combines large-scale grantmaking with research, policy work, partnerships, and strategic investments. Its programs operate in the United States and internationally, and its committed-grants database publishes information about awarded funding.

How to apply for funding

Most grants are developed through foundation program strategies and relationships with organizations identified by staff. Open requests for proposals and other competitive opportunities are listed on the foundation's grant-opportunities pages. The foundation does not generally make grants directly to individuals.

Leadership

Bill Gates is Chair and a member of the governing board. Mark Suzman is Chief Executive Officer and a board member. The executive team includes division presidents responsible for the foundation's principal program areas.

Location and contact info

Headquarters
500 Fifth Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
United States
Website
https://www.gatesfoundation.org
Contact
https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/contact