Melinda French Gates Models Three Strong Lessons for Philanthropists
Gates' willingness to pivot and her focus on her charitable giving vision provide an excellent example for current and future philanthropists.


Philanthropist Melinda French Gates recently made headlines when she announced she was formally stepping down from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Notably, it was reported by NBC News that she will retain “$12.5 billion that she plans to put toward her ongoing work supporting women and families.”
With (perhaps) a clearer path ahead and a resolve to be hyper-focused on her core areas of support, Gates’ announcement provides strong lessons for current and future philanthropists about the importance of having a plan, being willing to pivot and always aligning your vision with your funding abilities.
Her success affirms that with a plan, a focus area and the knowledge of which partnerships to pursue (or leave), both current and future philanthropists can greatly improve their impact.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Lesson #1: Always have a plan.
A philanthropic fund can be utilized most effectively when there is an alignment with values, passions and interests. Philanthropic planning allows individuals and organizations to make a thoughtful and strategic approach to charitable giving and to help maximize their donations' impact.
This includes developing an investment policy statement, asset allocation and portfolio construction, fiduciary compliance and oversight, risk management, family legacy planning and customized reporting and analysis for your investment committees.
Starting with a well-thought-out plan helps to ensure that resources are directed toward causes that resonate deeply with you, increasing the potential for meaningful impact. Having this plan in place helps you stay on target for your charitable giving goals now and in the future.
Indeed, as a leader who has centered her work on improving the lives of women and children, Gates has been steadfast in her commitment to supporting the next generation of female leaders. As she began to identify the severe lack of funding for women founders, she launched Pivotal Ventures to invest in early-stage companies led by women.
Lesson #2: Autonomy can be a superpower.
Sometimes, partnerships that start off on the strongest footing will no longer serve you. In the Gates Foundation example, this could be the dissolution of marriage between two founders, or more commonly, breaking ties with a trusted adviser. Indeed, the Gates Foundation made an incredible impact in its decades of existence, but the divorce of its founders certainly shifted the relationship and communication style.
Philanthropists must be flexible and willing to pivot when necessary to ensure their contributions have the greatest impact. According to Philanthropy Miami, “Flexibility goes beyond mere survival — it enables nonprofits to thrive in times of change. By embracing a mindset of flexible leadership, nonprofit leaders can foster a culture of resilience and innovation within their organizations.”
While seeking professional advice and collaborating is essential, philanthropists should not be afraid to go it alone if the original plans or partners aren’t aligned with their goals. This autonomy can empower philanthropists to pursue their vision more effectively and innovatively, attracting new partners as their goals and values evolve.
Lesson #3: Double down to effect the greatest change.
Over the past 20 years, the Gates Foundation has donated $53.8 billion to fight poverty, disease and inequity worldwide. While they have certainly made tremendous strides in those areas, these issues have not yet been eradicated.
Philanthropy is an ongoing endeavor with vast, seemingly endless, amounts of money needed to tackle some of society's biggest challenges. One thing is clear: While easy, micro philanthropy (small sums donated at cash registers or round-up opportunities) will not move the needle.
To effect change, philanthropists must do the deep work to figure out what they love and where they want to help. Open Philanthropy suggests considering the following three factors when evaluating an area to fund:
Importance. How important is this focus area, and how many people are affected?
Neglectedness. How neglected is this focus area?
Tractability. Are there clear ways a funder could contribute and make significant progress?
Gates’ commitment to supporting women and families reflects a concentrated effort to address specific issues that are important to her. By doubling down on these core areas of interest, she exemplifies how focusing on fewer areas can create a more significant and lasting impact compared to spreading resources too thin across numerous smaller initiatives.
It’s clear that in her next chapter, Gates’ impact and influence will continue to grow. By following her model, current and future philanthropists also have a great opportunity to mold a better world in their vision.
ALINE Wealth is a group of investment professionals registered with Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC, and with Hightower Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor with the SEC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC; advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC.
Third-party links and references are provided solely to share social, cultural and educational information. Any reference in this post to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this post to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of ALINE Wealth or Hightower Advisors, LLC, or any of its affiliates, employees or contractors acting on their behalf. Hightower Advisors, LLC, do not guarantee the accuracy or safety of any linked site.
Related Content
- Apple TV+'s 'Loot' Offers Five Lessons for Inheriting Wealth
- Six Charitable Giving Strategies: Feel Good and Cut Your Taxes
- Philanthropy Needs Innovation to Help With Social Problems
- How to Maximize Your Impact With Strategic Philanthropy Tools
- How to Assess the Impact of Your Charitable Giving
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Peter J. Klein, CFA®, CAP®, CSRIC®, CRPS®, is the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of ALINE Wealth, a wealth management firm that specializes in providing clients with financial planning advice for every stage of their lives. Along with Peter’s deep financial wisdom, he adds considerable acumen in philanthropy, helping clients navigate family trusts, institutions, and nonprofits.
-
Is Trump's Tax Plan Speeding Up the Looming Social Security Funding Crisis?
Social Security Social Security's combined retirement funds are running out of cash, and its insolvency date is expected to occur in less than a decade.
-
How to Keep Your Work Friends After You Retire
Work friendships can boost teamwork, lift your spirits, and make the job more fun. But when you retire, these friendships can fade. Here's a look at why that happens and what you can do about it.
-
Here's Why Munis Aren't Just for Wealthy Investors Now
Buyers of all levels should be intrigued by municipal bonds' steep yield curve, strong credit fundamentals and yield levels offering an income buffer.
-
I'm a Financial Planning Pro: Do Your Family a Final Favor and Write Them a Love Letter
Specify your preferences in this personal document that shares your wishes on how you want to be remembered and celebrated. Your family will thank you for easing an emotional time.
-
The Future of Financial Advice Is Human: Gen Z Trusts Advisers, But AI Skills Matter
Graduates entering the workforce trust human advisers more than AI tools with their financial planning. But AI can still enhance the client/adviser relationship.
-
I'm a Wealth Adviser: If You're a DIY Investor, Don't Make These Five Mistakes
Even though you may feel confident because of easy access to investing information, you may be making mistakes that could compromise your long-term performance. Here's what you should know.
-
Building a Business That Lasts: The Critical Steps to Avoid Blunders
'Another Way' author David Whorton offers advice on how to build an 'evergreen' business that endures by avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to failure.
-
I'm a Financial Pro: Why You Shouldn't Put All Your Eggs in the Company Stock Basket
Limit exposure to your employer's stock, sell it periodically and maintain portfolio diversification to protect your wealth from unexpected events.
-
How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Shape Your Legacy?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act removes uncertainty over tax brackets and estate tax. Families should take time to review estate plans to take full advantage.
-
Should You Claim Social Security Early or Late? A Financial Adviser Weighs In
There isn't a wrong age to start claiming Social Security, but there are factors that everyone should consider to avoid leaving money on the table.