Bill and Melinda Gates are among the most well-known philanthropists in the world, being two of the three founders of The Giving Pledge, alongside Warren Buffett. Their foundations have contributed enormously to global health, and they continue to build their capital through a wide array of investments.
Background on the Gates Foundation Trust
The Gates Foundation Trust is part of a two-entity structure that includes the Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation Trust is the endowment of the Gates Foundation, and it’s managed by Cascade Asset Management. The Gates Foundation Trust only gave to the Gates Foundation in 2024, although the Gates Foundation doesn’t invest. The Gates Foundation aims to “dramatically reduce disease and poverty and build a more equal world.”
Bill Gates serves on the board of the Gates Foundation Trust, alongside until October 1, 2024, Melinda Gates. According to the Gates Foundation’s website, Bill Gates is the only member of the board or staff with influence over trust investment decisions.
Warren Buffett was a top contributor to the Gates Foundation Trust in 2024, donating over $4 billion in stocks to the organization. Bill Gates’ ex-wife Melinda French Gates donated $502 million worth of stock to the trust in 2024, while Bill Gates donated $80.7 million worth of investment management fees and $13.5 million in cash.
According to the 990-PF for 2024, which was filed in November 2025, the Gates Foundation Trust had $77.6 billion in assets at the end of the year.
Capital gains and loses
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