Supporting our work
How to make a donation or bequest
We believe in the power of people coming together to tackle the world’s toughest challenges. Groundbreaking change is possible only through collective generosity and working collaboratively. At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we understand that choosing where and how to give is personal—each of us wants to have an impact on the issues important to us and the world. Our expert teams work with grantees around the world to explore new ideas, scale up proven solutions, and champion innovative initiatives.
Give directly to grantees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
If you’re considering donating to areas that our foundation focuses on, we hope you will give directly to our grantees. We are extremely proud of the work they do. You can learn more about them by reviewing our committed grants or exploring the latest stories, ideas, and news from across the foundation.
Give to Gates Philanthropy Partners
We encourage you to first learn about our grantees and give directly to them. If you would like to support the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, you can give through Gates Philanthropy Partners. Giving to Gates Philanthropy Partners allows you to align your giving with the Gates Foundation’s strategies. Together, we can fight to end inequity and improve the lives of the world’s poorest people.
Gates Philanthropy Partners was created in response to unsolicited donations received by our foundation since its inception. It is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides donors with a way to give alongside the Gates Foundation and receive a donation receipt and annual impact report.
Gates Philanthropy Partners’ funding decisions are made in consultation with Gates Foundation experts and leadership. This process ensures that donors' gifts are aligned with the charitable purposes of the foundation and guided by foundation strategies for greater collective impact. All donations support existing, trusted Gates Foundation grantees and are directed to projects where additional funding can complement and accelerate the work that is already being done.
Making a bequest
While we encourage you to first learn about our grantees and give directly to them, Gates Philanthropy Partners does accept gifts of any size made in a will, revocable or irrevocable trust agreement, or any other manner of non-probate disposition if they meet Gates Philanthropy Partners’ contribution guidelines.
Because Gates Philanthropy Partners aligns gifts with programs supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it can efficiently absorb and distribute gifts of any size. It does not have specific requirements or language to make a gift through bequest documents.
Your advisor may request the street address and tax identification number of Gates Philanthropy Partners:
Gates Philanthropy Partners
1432 Elliott Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119
Tax identification number: 47-3290897
For questions related to making a planned gift, please email give@gatesphilanthropypartners.org or contact your advisor for personalized guidance.
Gates Philanthropy Partners can be reached by phone at +1.206.726.7277.
Learn more about Gates Philanthropy Partners and its progress on must-solve problems at www.gatesphilanthropypartners.org.
Can I make a gift to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in my will?
No. We discourage individuals from making gifts directly to the foundation. Instead, we hope you’ll make a gift to one of our grantees or to Gates Philanthropy Partners, as described above.