Melinda Gates leaving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation next month

“This is not a decision I came to lightly," French Gates wrote on X on Monday, adding that she plans to use $12.5 billion for other projects

By Nicholas Ballasy

Published: May 13, 2024 12:26pm

Updated: May 13, 2024 12:46pm

Melinda French Gates announced on Monday that she is leaving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation next month.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Melinda, his ex-wife, had tried to continue working together on projects at foundation, one of the largest private philanthropies in the world, following their 2021 divorce.

“After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation. My last day of work at the foundation will be June 7,” French Gates wrote on X on Monday. “This is not a decision I came to lightly."

Gates said that she has $12.5 billion to spend on other projects.

"Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation. I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families. I'll be sharing more about what that will look like in the near future," she said.