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Bill Gates sends $8B to ex-wife Melinda’s charity in one of largest divorce-related payouts ever

byWesley Scott
January 9, 2026



Bill Gates quietly sent nearly $8 billion to the private foundation of his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, in what amounts to one of the largest divorce-related payouts ever disclosed.

The $7.88 billion donation was made in 2024 to the Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, a relatively new nonprofit launched by French Gates, according to a newly released tax filing reviewed by The New York Times’ DealBook.

Bill Gates paid nearly $8 billion to his ex-wife, Melinda. Nathan Posner/Shutterstock

The filing marks the first time concrete financial terms of the Gateses’ 2021 divorce have been made public following their decision to formally separate their philanthropic work in 2024.

Melinda Gates announced she and her husband were splitting up in 2021. Getty Images for The Clooney Foundation For Justice
Melinda and Bill Gates with their children in an undated photo. Instagram

French Gates had said when she stepped down as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last May that she would have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to causes focused on women and families, as per the terms of the divorce settlement.



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Wesley Scott
Wesley Scott is a seasoned business journalist with a knack for breaking down complex financial matters and corporate trends. With a background that includes seven years working on Wall Street, Wesley brings insider knowledge to his reporting, offering readers both depth and clarity. His articles cover a wide range of topics, from market trends and corporate leadership changes to business ethics and the impact of global events on industries. Known for his ability to identify emerging patterns in the business world, Wesley’s writing serves as a reliable resource for professionals and curious readers alike. Whether covering shifts in consumer behavior or unraveling the dynamics of corporate mergers, Wesley's work ensures his audience stays ahead of the curve.
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