In addition to our core foundation grantmaking priorities, we occasionally make grants in these non-program areas.
We do not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry for these grantmaking areas.
Charitable Sector Support
The charitable sector—comprised of foundations, charities, individual donors, and other voluntary organizations—mobilizes private initiative for the public good.
We're working to understand the sector as a whole—what needs it addresses, how it operates, and how it is financed. We believe that having this information can help set realistic expectations regarding the potential (and the limits) of the sector and can contribute to a policy environment that enables the sector to thrive and grow. To achieve these goals, we fund research, data collection, and awareness building by a variety of organizations. Learn more about funding for Charitable Sector Support grants.
Employee Matching Gifts and Sponsorships
The foundation offers its employees a generous matching gift benefit to enhance their personal charitable giving to accredited educational, community and cultural 501(c)3 organizations. Additionally, the foundation occasionally sponsors tables at events that align with our giving strategies.
Family Interest Grants
This is a family foundation, and, from time to time, we make grants to organizations and projects that are of personal interest to the Gates family. These grants may fall outside the scope of the foundation’s programmatic work.
Philanthropic Partnerships
The foundation has made a few one-time grants to build momentum around giving and expand access to tools and content for effective giving. These grants will help select nonprofit organizations scale their work and make it more accessible.