For Grant Seekers

Information for Grant Seekers

The foundation awards the majority of its grants to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-exempt organizations identified by our staff. Grantees and partners then work with beneficiaries in the field.

Please note: We do not award grants directly to individuals.

Current Opportunities

Awards

Global Development

Access to Learning Award (ATLA)
Due Date: September 30, 2010
Apply now

Request for Proposals

Global Health

Diversifying the Pipeline of Product Concepts for an HIV Vaccine
Due Date: May 31, 2011
Apply now

Global Health

Grand Challenges Explorations
Due Date: November 2, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
Apply now

Open Letters of Inquiry (LOI)

Qualified organizations can submit Letters of Inquiry (LOI) for the funding areas listed below.

United States Program

Pacific Northwest Community Grants

Global Health

Other Foundation Grantmaking Priorities

For more information about our grantmaking priorities, visit our Foundation Grantmaking Priorities page.

IN THIS SECTION

For Grant Seekers

Foundation Grantmaking Priorities

Additional Resources For Organizations

Additional Resources For Individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

501(c)(3): A code, applied to organizations by the IRS, denoting tax-exempt status.

Grant: A sum of money used to fund a specific project or purpose. The foundation funds work that meets specific grantmaking priorities and supports the foundation’s guiding principles. In keeping with its charter, the foundation does not provide funding to individuals.

Letter of Inquiry (LOI): A document submitted by an institution seeking a grant or funding for a project. The LOI describes the purpose of the project, summarizes the project’s goals, and includes financial information for the project.

Lobbying: The efforts to influence federal, state, or local legislation within the United States or international legislation. Private foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are, by law, prohibited from lobbying.

Request for Proposal (RFP): An open invitation to submit a funding request for consideration.

Scholarship: Funding for a prospective student to pursue educational opportunities. The foundation funds a number of scholarship programs for specific graduate, undergraduate, and college preparatory studies. Eligible applicants must apply through the scholarship program; the foundation does not fund individuals directly and is not involved in the administration of the programs.

For more information on funding, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.