Melinda French Gates forges her own philanthropic path, leaving behind Buffett and Gates Foundation

Melinda French Gates, the philanthropist and former wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is embarking on a new philanthropic journey separate from the Gates Foundation. This decision comes after Warren Buffett, who has been a major donor to the foundation for nearly two decades, announced that his future philanthropic endeavors will not include the organization. French Gates, who was aware of Buffett’s plans beforehand, has also cut ties with the foundation to pursue her own charitable initiatives focused on gender equality.

With a net worth of $11 billion and additional funds from Gates, French Gates has committed $1 billion to support organizations working on women’s rights and female health solutions. This move marks a significant shift in her philanthropic focus and sets her on a path distinct from the Gates Foundation’s traditional approach.

French Gates’ decision to strike out on her own has drawn criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who have questioned her philanthropic efforts. In response, French Gates dismissed these criticisms as “kind of silly” and challenged the charitable contributions of tech figures like Musk, Jack Dorsey, Peter Thiel, and Bill Ackman, suggesting they do not meet the criteria of true philanthropists in her opinion.

Despite the backlash, French Gates remains committed to her philanthropic goals and has not ruled out future collaborations with other prominent donors, including MacKenzie Scott. The similarities in their philanthropic approaches and shared values on parenting have created a potential for further partnerships in the future.

French Gates’ recent donations, which prioritize trust-based giving over data-driven philanthropy, reflect her evolving approach to philanthropy and her desire to support grassroots organizations that may not receive traditional funding. This shift aligns with a broader trend in philanthropy towards more personalized and impactful giving strategies.

As French Gates embarks on this new chapter in her philanthropic journey, her actions and decisions are likely to have a significant impact on the charitable landscape. By prioritizing gender equality and innovative approaches to giving, she is setting a new standard for philanthropic engagement and inspiring others to follow suit.