Charity Watcher

To enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty are the primary interest of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private foundation in the world. The organization was of course founded by the world’s richest man and his wife, Bill and Melinda Gates.

There are three trustees of the foundation. Other than the couple, the third person is billionaire Warren Buffett. As of June 2013, the organization has an endowment of $38.3 billion. $28 billion of which was donated by Bill Gates. The founders were ranked as the second most generous philanthropists in America next to its third trustee, Warren Buffett. Other than the health care system, this non-profit organization also promoted the expansion of educational opportunities in America and at the same time wider access to information technology. It applies various business techniques in granting assistance. Because of its scale and its method of helping out, it has paved its way in philanthrocapitalism in the global philanthropy. 

The foundation has grantees in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. There are 100 countries that benefited from the kindness of the foundation. Some of the organizations it supports include Save the Children, PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, United Negro College Fund, United Way of King County, World Food Program, TechnoServe, Gateway to College and Building Changes. Since its inception, the organization has granted more than $28.3 billion. In 2011 and 2012 they have released $3.4 billion in assistance. 

At a minimum, the organization's donation would amount to over $1.5 billion, which would equal to at least 5% of its annual assets. This is to maintain its status as a charitable foundation. As of 2006, there are four divisions that are operational and three grant-making programs. Its segments are human resources, finance, public relations and administration. Global Health Program, Global Development Program and United States Program are the organization’s three grant-making units.

There are 1,194 employees of the foundation that are working in their offices in India, China, Europe, the East Coast and in their headquarters in Seattle, Washington.