Melinda French Gates recently announced plans to grant $1 billion over the next two years to programs and people focusing on women’s and family issues, with a particular emphasis on funding reproductive initiatives in the U.S. in response to the Supreme Court’s decision that gutted abortion protections. This decision comes after her resignation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she left with $12.5 billion for her own initiatives following her divorce from Bill Gates. French Gates will be utilizing her independent company, Pivotal Ventures, to deploy the $1 billion, with $200 million going towards U.S. groups focused on women’s rights.
Pivotal Ventures has provided details on where the funding will go, with grants allocated to organizations such as the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Women’s Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and the States United Democracy Center. Additionally, French Gates will be granting $20 million each to twelve individuals globally whose work she admires, including figures such as Jacinda Ardern, Ava DuVernay, Allyson Felix, and Crystal Echo Hawk. She will also be launching a $250 million global initiative focused on the mental and physical health of women and girls this fall, with a specific focus on supporting grassroots organizations that may not have access to major funders.
These initiatives reflect a growing trend among major philanthropists to disperse their wealth towards various causes. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have issued “Courage and Civility Awards” to leaders in different sectors, while MacKenzie Scott held an open call for nonprofits that resulted in grants totaling $640 million to 361 organizations. French Gates is partnering with Lever for Change, the group that worked with Scott, to distribute funding. French Gates emphasized in her op-ed that only 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. is directed towards groups supporting women and girls, with even less focused on women of color.
One of the U.S. grant recipients announced is The 19th, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to reporting on issues important to women and LGBTQ+ people, especially in underrepresented communities. The support from French Gates will allow The 19th to expand its politics and policy coverage during a significant election year, make strategic investments in audience growth, and establish long-term sustainability in a challenging industry landscape. French Gates highlighted the importance of prioritizing funding for women’s issues as a critical investment that benefits society as a whole, acknowledging that underfunding such causes has long-term consequences for future generations.
In her op-ed, French Gates emphasized the urgency of supporting women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities who face additional barriers to access resources and opportunities. By committing significant funding towards reproductive rights, women’s rights, and global health initiatives, French Gates aims to address these critical issues and create lasting impact. Through her philanthropic efforts and collaboration with other major donors and organizations, French Gates is working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of gender or background, have access to essential resources and support.
