Gates Foundation - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $8.0 billion (2024)
Total Assets: $86 billion (as of July 2025)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (most grants awarded by invitation)
Decision Time: Several months (varies by project complexity)
Grant Range: $100,000 - $50+ million (varies significantly by program)
Geographic Focus: Global - 140 countries internationally, plus 43 US states and DC

Contact Details

Main Office:

Phone: (206) 709-3400
Website: www.gatesfoundation.org
Location: Seattle, WA

Program-Specific Contact:

U.S. Program: usprogram@gatesfoundation.org
Media Inquiries: media@gatesfoundation.org
Open Access Inquiries: openaccess@gatesfoundation.org
Grant Portal: submit.gatesfoundation.org
Contact Form: www.gatesfoundation.org/about/contact/write-to-us

Overview

Founded in 2000, the Gates Foundation (formerly the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, renamed in January 2025) is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations with $86 billion in assets and $8.0 billion in annual giving as of 2024. Since inception, the foundation has distributed $83.3 billion in total grant payments and $102.3 billion in total charitable spending. The foundation's mission is to reduce inequities worldwide by focusing on global health, development, gender equality, and US education. In January 2024, the foundation announced its largest budget ever at $8.6 billion, representing a 4% increase over 2023 and a $2 billion increase from 2021, with commitments to reach $9 billion annually by 2026. The foundation operates through a proactive grantmaking model, primarily identifying and inviting organizations to submit proposals rather than accepting open applications, though they do issue periodic Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for specific initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Grand Challenges Explorations:

Phase I: $100,000 for 18 months (open application via online portal)
Phase II: Up to $1 million for promising projects (by invitation)
Runs twice yearly (Spring and Fall)
Two-page online application process
Website: gcgh.grandchallenges.org

Global Health Programs:

Typical grants: $1 million - $50+ million
Recent examples: $18.6 million for immunology research (Stanford), $7.5 million for measles vaccine development
Focus: Infectious diseases, child mortality, maternal health, vaccines, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS
Application: Primarily by invitation or RFP

Global Development & Agricultural Development:

Recent commitment: $1.4 billion over four years for climate-resilient agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Range: Varies widely by project scope
Application: Invitation-based or specific RFPs

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH):

Reinvent the Toilet Challenge and related initiatives
Previous grants: $3 million - $42 million
Focus: Transformative sanitation technologies, urban sanitation services
Application: Specific RFPs and challenges

Gender Equality:

Focus on women and girls in Africa and South Asia
Health, economic empowerment, leadership programs
Application: Invitation-based

US Program - Education:

K-12 Education: 10-year focus on math outcomes, teacher support
Postsecondary Success: Institutional reform, eliminating race/ethnicity/income as success predictors
Recent grants: Typically $250,000 - $5+ million
Application: Invitation-based or RFP

Priority Areas

Four Major Divisions:

Global Health Division: Reducing infectious disease burden and child mortality in developing countries; developing new health tools and strategies
Global Growth & Opportunity Division: Agricultural development, financial services for the poor, water/sanitation/hygiene, market-based innovations for economic growth
Gender Equality Division: Women's and girls' health, economic empowerment, leadership in Africa and South Asia
US Program: K-12 education (math focus), postsecondary success, pathways to opportunity

Geographic Priorities:

Africa: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa
Asia: Bangladesh, India (Bihar and Orissa states), China, East Asia
Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France
US: Florida, Texas, New York, California, Tennessee, Washington DC

Key Focus Areas:

Polio eradication
Tuberculosis drug development
Child mortality reduction (azithromycin delivery)
Climate-resilient agriculture
Contraceptive access
Digital courseware in postsecondary education
Math education improvement

What They Don't Fund

Direct grants to individuals (except specific scholarship/fellowship programs noted in RFPs)
Projects outside their stated funding priorities
Lobbying activities or political campaigns (as defined by IRS rules)
Organizations not eligible for grants (must typically be US 501(c)(3) or equivalent tax-exempt organizations)
General operating support for organizations not aligned with strategic priorities
Unsolicited proposals outside Grand Challenges or published RFPs

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Mark Suzman (CEO since 2020, formerly Chief Strategy Officer and President, Global Policy & Advocacy)

Mark Suzman's background reflects the foundation's commitment to global equity. Raised in apartheid South Africa, he brings a deep understanding of inequality and social justice to his leadership role. Before joining the Gates Foundation in 2007, Suzman was a journalist and held positions at the Financial Times.

Key Leadership Philosophy:

Suzman frequently references a lesson from Nelson Mandela and the African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This partnership-oriented approach defines the foundation's collaborative strategy.

Board of Trustees: The foundation underwent governance changes in 2024-2025. Melinda French Gates resigned as co-chair in May 2024, and the foundation was renamed to simply "Gates Foundation" in January 2025.

Major Donors:

Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates: $60.2 billion donated (inception through 2024)
Warren Buffett: $43.3 billion donated (2006 through 2024)

Commitment: Bill Gates announced the foundation would spend $200 billion over the next 20 years, doubling the $100 billion spent in its first 25 years.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Gates Foundation operates primarily through invitation-based grantmaking rather than open applications. There are three pathways:

1. Direct Invitation (Most Common):

Foundation staff identify and directly contact potential grantees
Most grants awarded through this pathway
No public application process

2. Requests for Proposals (RFPs):

Periodically published for specific initiatives
Each RFP has unique timeline and requirements
Monitor: www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-opportunities

3. Grand Challenges Explorations (Open Application):

Submit ideas through online portal: gcgh.grandchallenges.org
Simple two-page application
Runs twice yearly (Spring and Fall)
Application guidelines and rules available as PDF download
Questions: [email protected]

Important Limitations:

Foundation does not accept general unsolicited proposals
Cannot make grants outside stated funding priorities
Awards majority of grants to US 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent tax-exempt entities
Due to high volume, may not respond to all inquiries

Decision Timeline

Four-Phase Process:

All grants follow a standardized four-phase development process:

Phase 1: Concept Development

Internal alignment with strategic priorities
Staff identifies potential partners

Phase 2: Pre-Proposal

Exploration and refinement with field organizations
Initial discussions and concept papers

Phase 3: Investment Development

Full proposals reviewed at various levels
More complex grants receive additional review layers
Foundation executive makes final funding decision

Phase 4: Management and Close

Ongoing grant management
Monitoring and evaluation

Typical Timeline:

Several months from submission to decision
Duration varies based on:
- Project complexity
- Partner capacity
- Geographic location
- Grant size

No Unified Cycle: Unlike many foundations, the Gates Foundation does not operate on a single annual grant cycle. Timelines vary by specific program and initiative.

Success Rates

Not Publicly Disclosed: The foundation does not publish overall success rates for grant applications.

Why Statistics Are Limited:

Most grants are proactively identified by staff rather than awarded through competitive processes
Foundation directly invites the majority of proposals
Success rates would vary dramatically by program

Grand Challenges:

Extremely competitive
Example: Gates Cambridge Scholarship has 0.3% acceptance rate (approximately 100 students selected annually)
Grand Challenges Explorations receives thousands of applications for limited Phase I grants

Scale of Funding:

2024: $8.0 billion distributed
Recipients in 43 US states and DC
Projects in 140 countries internationally
This indicates thousands of grants awarded annually across all programs

Reapplication Policy

No Public Policy Disclosed: The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants.

Program-Specific Variations:

Policies likely vary by program and initiative
Grand Challenges Explorations runs twice yearly, suggesting applicants could revise and resubmit in subsequent rounds
For invitation-based grants, reapplication would depend on continued alignment with foundation priorities

Feedback: One program document noted: "Given the size and nature of the program, we are not able to provide individualized feedback to each applicant."

Recommendation: Contact program staff directly or review specific RFP documents for reapplication guidance.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Prioritizes

1. Innovation and Scalability The foundation seeks projects that demonstrate novel solutions with potential for expansion to reach larger populations. Proposals must show how innovations can be adapted or scaled beyond initial implementation.

2. Clear, Measurable Outcomes "The Gates Foundation looks for clear goals and measurable results in charitable projects." Applications must include:

Defined objectives
Key performance indicators
Methods for data collection and analysis
Robust monitoring and evaluation plans

3. Evidence-Based Approaches "The foundation emphasizes the importance of data in decision-making." Successful proposals use:

Research findings
Pilot program results
Real-world data demonstrating potential impact

4. Strategic Alignment "Clearly articulate how your project aligns with the foundation's mission and strategic goals." Demonstrating alignment with current strategic priorities is critical.

5. Partnerships and Collaboration The foundation values multi-stakeholder approaches and projects that leverage existing networks. CEO Mark Suzman's guiding principle reflects this: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Application Best Practices

Clearly Articulate the Problem: "One of the most important tips is to clearly articulate the problem your project aims to address." Use data and real-world examples to illustrate urgency and significance.

Demonstrate Feasibility: Show realistic implementation plans with achievable timelines and appropriate budgets. Address potential challenges and mitigation strategies.

Show Impact Potential: Use concrete evidence - pilot results, research data, case studies - to illustrate how your project will create meaningful change.

Use Foundation Language: Review the foundation's strategy documents, annual reports, and committed grants database to understand their terminology and priorities. Use similar language in proposals.

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

Global Health:

Stanford Center for Human Systems Immunology: $18.6 million for tuberculosis diagnosis and vaccination approaches
Micron Biomedical: $7.5 million for needle-free measles vaccine (total $43 million from foundation)
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Multiple grants totaling millions

Agriculture:

TomorrowNow and KALRO: Hyper-local weather alerts for 5+ million Kenyan farmers, expanding to Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia
$1.4 billion commitment over four years for climate-resilient farming innovations

Education:

Research Foundation of the City University of New York: $250,000 for postsecondary pathways
Multiple Washington state partnerships for college/career pathway programs

WASH:

Reinvent the Toilet Challenge grants to universities globally
$42 million in new sanitation technology grants

Evaluation Criteria

The foundation employs rigorous evaluation assessing:

Innovation: Novel approaches to persistent problems
Feasibility: Realistic implementation with appropriate capacity
Potential Impact: Evidence of significant, measurable outcomes
Strategic Alignment: Clear connection to foundation priorities
Sustainability: Long-term viability beyond grant period
Partnership Quality: Collaborative approach with relevant stakeholders

Common Reasons for Rejection

While not explicitly stated by the foundation, unsuccessful applications likely:

Fall outside stated funding priorities
Lack clear, measurable outcomes
Present insufficient evidence of potential impact
Show poor alignment with current strategic focus
Demonstrate limited scalability or sustainability
Miss partnership or collaboration opportunities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-Based Model: The Gates Foundation primarily operates through direct invitations to organizations they identify. Don't expect success through unsolicited proposals unless applying to Grand Challenges Explorations or responding to published RFPs. Monitor their grant opportunities page regularly.
Scale and Evidence Matter: The foundation seeks projects with significant impact potential backed by solid evidence. Include pilot data, research findings, and clear metrics demonstrating your solution works and can scale to reach large populations.
Align Strategically: Successful applicants demonstrate deep alignment with current foundation priorities. Study their strategy documents, recent grants (searchable database available), and annual reports to understand current focus areas before proposing.
Partnership is Key: Following CEO Mark Suzman's principle "If you want to go far, go together," emphasize collaborative approaches. Show how your project leverages partnerships and builds on existing networks.
Innovation with Feasibility: Balance transformative, innovative solutions with realistic implementation plans. The foundation wants breakthrough approaches but needs confidence in your capacity to deliver.
Be Patient and Persistent: Decision timelines span several months and vary by project complexity. The multi-phase review process ensures thorough evaluation but requires patience. Grand Challenges Explorations offers multiple opportunities throughout the year.
Focus on Measurable Impact: Every proposal must include robust monitoring and evaluation plans with clear objectives, key performance indicators, and data collection methods. The foundation's commitment to data-driven decision-making means vague promises won't succeed.

References

Gates Foundation Annual Report 2024. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/financials/annual-reports/annual-report-2024 (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation Fact Sheet. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/foundation-fact-sheet (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Grant Applicant FAQ. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-applicant-faq (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - How We Work. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Grant Opportunities. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/grant-opportunities (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - What We Do Not Fund. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/how-we-work/what-we-do-not-fund (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Committed Grants Database. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/committed-grants (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Our Work. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work (Accessed January 2025)
Mark Suzman - Leadership Profile. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/leadership/mark-suzman (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation Press Release - Largest Budget Ever (January 2024). https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases/2024/01/annual-budget-funding-future-health (Accessed January 2025)
Global Grand Challenges - Grant Opportunities. https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/grant-opportunities (Accessed January 2025)
Global Grand Challenges - Application Guidelines. https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/application-guidelines (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Contact Information. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/contact (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Program. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-growth-and-opportunity/water-sanitation-and-hygiene (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - K-12 Education. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/us-program/k-12-education (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Postsecondary Success. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/us-program/postsecondary-success (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation U.S. Program Contact. https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/contact-us-page (Accessed January 2025)
Gates Foundation - Focus Countries in Africa. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Where-We-Work/Africa-Office/Focus-Countries (Accessed January 2025)
EditVerse - Gates Foundation Grant Proposal Guide. https://editverse.com/gates-foundation-grant-proposal-guide-requirements-tips-and-common-pitfalls/ (Accessed January 2025)
FundsForNGOs - How Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Selects Projects. https://www2.fundsforngos.org/articles/how-does-the-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-select-projects-for-global-health-grants/ (Accessed January 2025)