Melinda French Gates Commits $1 Billion to Support Reproductive Rights and Women Around the World
variety.comJack Dunn Melinda French Gates, American philanthropist and ex-wife of tech mogul Bill Gates, has pledged $1 billion through 2026 to advance the global power of women via her Pivotal Ventures Foundation.
In the May 28 announcement made on the Pivotal Ventures website, French Gates broke down how the $1 billion would be donated. $200 million will go toward organizations in the U.S.
fighting to “advance women’s power and protect their rights, including reproductive freedom.” $240 million will be distributed amongst 12 global leaders, who will each receive $20 million to donate to charitable organizations of their choosing.
The final $250 million will be awarded this fall through Lever of Change to organizations that work to improve the mental and physical health of women worldwide. “For too long, a lack of money has forced organizations fighting for women’s rights into a defensive posture while the enemies of progress play offense,” French Gates said. “I want to help even the match.” French Gates founded Pivotal Ventures in 2015 to advance equality and opportunity through high-impact donations, partnerships, advocacy and philanthropy.
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