Melinda French Gates Gives Billions to ‘Even the Match’ Initiative

Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is embarking on a new chapter in her philanthropic journey. In an op-ed published in the New York Times, French Gates announced her departure from the foundation next week and revealed her plan to donate $1 billion over the next two years to organizations advocating for women.

“Set your own agenda, or someone else will set it for you,” French Gates emphasized as she explained her decision to leave the foundation and launch new initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls. She expressed her determination to seize the extraordinary opportunity she has been given and help others do the same.

French Gates has already begun distributing grants through her organization, Pivotal, and assembled a group of top experts in women’s health to oversee a $20 million fund for women’s causes. Notable members of the group include former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and track and field legend Allyson Felix.

In addition to the $1 billion commitment, French Gates is planning a $250 million initiative focused on women’s mental and physical health. She aims to level the playing field for organizations advocating for women’s rights and plans to work closely with grassroots organizations and established groups like the National Women’s Law Center and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

French Gates’ dedication to women’s health and empowerment is longstanding, as evidenced by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s previous investments in healthcare. Her latest efforts underscore her commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women around the world.