Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.
The foundation is currently accepting applications for the following programs:
In 2022 the foundation funded grantees in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Internationally, the foundation funded work in 141 countries. Previous awards can be viewed on the Foundation's website at: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/How-We-Work/Quick-Links/Grants-Database.
The majority of the Foundation's funding is proactive and made to U.S. tax-exempt organizations that are independently identified by staff. In general, the foundation directly invites proposals by directly contacting organizations. The foundation does occasionally award grants through published Requests for Proposals (RFPs) available for review here: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-opportunities
Please keep in mind that although your project may appear to fall under the guidelines of what the Foundation funds, the area of funding may not accept unsolicited proposals.
Deadlines vary by program. Refer to the foundation website for more information: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-opportunities
Award amounts vary by program area.