Bill Gates (1955–Present)
Transitioning from Microsoft to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has applied data and business strategy to humanitarian work. His focus is on “high-impact” giving—saving the most lives for every dollar spent.
Key Philanthropic Activities:
- Vaccines (Gavi): Pledged billions to the Gavi Alliance to vaccinate children in poor countries, saving an estimated 13 million lives.
- Polio Eradication: Has brought the world to the brink of eradicating polio through massive immunization campaigns.
- The Giving Pledge: Co-founded the movement that has convinced over 230 billionaires to give away the majority of their wealth.
- Sanitation: Funded the “Reinvent the Toilet” challenge to bring safe sanitation to the developing world.
