Additional Coverage:
Bill Gates’s Philanthropy: A Trillion-Dollar Sacrifice?
Bill Gates recently reaffirmed his commitment to donate nearly all his wealth, effectively winding down the Gates Foundation by 2045. Along with his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, he has already contributed a staggering $60.2 billion to the foundation since 2000, solidifying their position among America’s leading philanthropists. Even after such significant giving, they remain incredibly wealthy, ranking 13th and 56th on the global wealth list.
However, a hypothetical scenario paints a dramatically different picture. Had Bill and Melinda retained all their Microsoft stock, their combined wealth would be an estimated $1.5 trillion.
Bill, potentially the world’s first trillionaire, would hold a $1.2 trillion fortune, dwarfing even Elon Musk’s peak net worth. Melinda’s estimated $300 billion would place her third on the global wealth list.
This hypothetical scenario assumes Bill retained his initial 49% stake in Microsoft from its 1986 IPO. Factoring in stock splits and dividends, their combined holdings would represent a 43% stake in the company, worth approximately $1.4 trillion, plus an additional $100 billion in after-tax dividends.
The reality is far different. Bill gradually sold and donated his Microsoft shares, and now holds an estimated 0.9% stake worth $28 billion.
His portfolio, managed by Cascade Investments, has diversified significantly. Melinda’s Microsoft holdings are minimal.
Neither has appeared in Microsoft’s SEC filings since Bill left the board in 2020.
This alternative reality, where the Gateses retained all their Microsoft shares, would have come at a significant cost to global philanthropy. The Gates Foundation has distributed an estimated $47.7 billion to charitable causes, focusing on health and poverty. This is second only to Warren Buffett’s philanthropic giving.
Melinda French Gates has also reshaped her philanthropic strategy, launching Pivotal Philanthropies with a substantial investment and committing billions more to women’s and girls’ rights.
Both Bill and Melinda remain committed to the Giving Pledge, encouraging other wealthy individuals to donate at least half their wealth. Their commitment to philanthropy is evident in their words and actions, highlighting a belief in using their vast resources for global good.