Bill Gates $8 billion donation to Melinda French Gates foundation after divorce
Bill Gates has transferred nearly $8 billion to a charitable foundation led by his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, in what is one of the largest publicly disclosed contributions tied to their divorce settlement. The payment of approximately $7.88 billion was made in 2024 and was only recently revealed through tax filings, showing that the money was directed to the Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, a nonprofit organization Melinda established in 2022 to support women, families and social causes. This major donation comes as part of a previously agreed $12.5 billion financial commitment from Gates linked to the dissolution of their marriage after 27 years together.
The gift dramatically increased Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation’s assets, transforming it from a relatively new entity into one of the largest private foundations in the United States. According to tax information, the foundation saw its resources surge from around $604 million at the end of 2023 to more than $7 billion by the end of 2024, largely due to this contribution. Melinda formally stepped down from co-leading the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in May 2024, after which she focused on her independent philanthropic ventures that now benefit from the substantial infusion.
The payment has generated significant public interest because of its scale and the context of the Gates’ high-profile divorce. The couple had jointly led one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations before deciding to separate their efforts and pursue distinct missions. Under the terms of their settlement, the $8 billion donation was part of fulfilling the broader financial agreement reached between them, even though much of the money is channelled through Melinda’s charity rather than as a direct personal payout.
Despite some reports framing the transfer as a “divorce payout,” the available details show it was part of a strategic philanthropic arrangement tied to their separation and commitments to social causes. Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates continue to be major figures in global philanthropy, with their respective organisations focusing on different priorities following the end of their marital and professional partnership.
About the Author
