Why Bill Gates Plans to Give Away His Entire Fortune by 2045 And Changing Millions of Lives: What the World Can Learn From It

What would you do if you had over $100 billion?

Buy islands? Fund moon missions? Or would you try to change the world—for real?

That’s exactly what Bill Gates is doing. Rather than holding onto his massive fortune, the Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist, and lifelong learner has recently announced to give away virtually all of his wealth through the Gates Foundation by 2045—and then shut it down. It’s a powerful plan rooted in urgency, purpose, and deep commitment to a fairer world for everyone.

But why the rush? And what impact could this massive decision have on the world? Let’s dive into the story behind one of the largest philanthropic pledges in history—and why it matters more now than ever before.

Gates began this journey not with a press conference, but with a stack of books. He immersed himself in the legacy of legendary philanthropists and stumbled upon one essay that left a lasting impression: The Gospel of Wealth by Andrew Carnegie. Written in 1889, Carnegie argued that the rich have a moral obligation to return their wealth to society. His most famous line still echoes today:

The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.

Those words resonated deeply with Gates. He admits that he doesn’t want “he died rich” etched into his legacy. With so many urgent global problems—from child mortality to pandemics—he believes it would be wrong to hold onto resources that could save lives.

When Gates and Melinda French Gates launched the Gates Foundation in 2000, the plan was for it to exist for decades after their passing. But that plan has changed. In consultation with the foundation's board, Gates has committed to speeding up the pace of giving, with a target of spending over $200 billion in the next two decades. On December 31, 2045, the foundation will officially close its doors.

This is about giving with urgency, not giving later.

Already, the foundation has given more than $100 billion—with massive results. From supporting vaccine distribution through Gavi and the Global Fund to helping slash child mortality rates, their efforts have saved over 80 million lives.

Why Now? A Personal and Global Turning Point

This decision comes as Gates reflects on several personal and professional milestones. He turns 70 this year. Microsoft turns 50. His late father, a key partner in launching the foundation, would’ve turned 100. And Warren Buffett—Gates’s longtime friend and philanthropic partner—remains a guiding influence in his life and giving philosophy.

Unlike many who retire at this stage of life, Gates feels energized by the opportunity to do more.

I’m lucky to wake up every day energized to go to work.

Three Global Goals to Shape the Future

The foundation’s next 20 years will focus on three key missions:

• End Preventable Deaths of Moms and Children: In 1990, 12 million children under five died. By 2019, that number fell to 5 million. Now, Gates wants to cut that in half again. Through advances in maternal health, vaccines, and nutrition (including gut microbiome research), the foundation aims to ensure that no child or mother dies from causes we know how to prevent.

• Eradicate Deadly Infectious Diseases: So far, only smallpox has been eradicated. Gates believes polio and Guinea worm are next—and eventually, even malaria and measles. The foundation is also funding gene therapies that could potentially cure HIV/AIDS and sickle cell disease, and pushing for breakthroughs in fighting tuberculosis.

• Lift Millions Out of Poverty: Ending poverty goes hand-in-hand with improving health. The foundation will continue to support initiatives that give people better access to food, education, and economic opportunity, especially in developing countries.

Gates isn’t just writing checks. He’s investing in the future through innovation. His other ventures, including Breakthrough Energy and TerraPower, aim to solve climate change through clean energy and advanced nuclear power. Profits from these projects will also go back into philanthropy.

In parallel, he’s funding Alzheimer’s research—a cause close to his heart—recognizing the devastating impact of dementia on aging populations and healthcare systems.

Gates emphasizes one thing over and over: this is not a one-man mission.

Progress depends on so many people around the globe…

Scientists, healthcare workers, nonprofits, governments, and private companies—all play critical roles. Gates views the foundation’s work as a team sport where collaboration, not control, drives success.

A Vision for a Better World

Gates’ accelerated giving is not just an act of generosity—it’s a belief in humanity’s potential. It’s a declaration that with the right resources, coordination, and urgency, we can solve big problems.

In an era of rising inequality and skepticism about the role of billionaires, Gates is offering a different kind of leadership—one rooted in humility, impact, and action.

Whether you’re a billionaire or not, Gates’ story challenges all of us to ask:

• What are we doing with the time, talent, and resources we have?

• What kind of world do we want to leave behind?

• How can we act now instead of waiting for “someday”?

Philanthropy may not be the answer to every problem, but when done thoughtfully and urgently, it can spark lasting change. As the Gates Foundation embarks on its final two decades, one thing is clear: the world is watching—and the future is worth the effort.