In summary, Bill Gates has dropped to No. 9 on the Forbes list of America’s wealthiest people, with a fortune of $107 billion, down $4 billion from the previous year. This drop is partly due to his 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates, who announced that she would be receiving $12.5 billion for her philanthropic efforts. Forbes estimates that French Gates received a much larger divorce settlement than previously reported, increasing her net worth to $29 billion and making her the ninth-richest woman in the country.
During a discussion at the Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy in September 2022, Bill Gates predicted his own decline on the Forbes ranking, stating that he planned to give away more of his fortune until he dropped off the billionaires list. He also mentioned the possibility of continuing to work with Melinda despite their divorce. Melinda has focused her efforts on empowering women through her Pivotal Ventures investing and philanthropic arm, committing $2 billion to expand women’s power and influence. She has also created the Pivotal Philanthropies foundation with a funding of $674 million in publicly traded securities and is likely to receive a share of the $12.5 billion she has mentioned.
With Melinda no longer co-chairing the Gates Foundation, there are questions about whether the foundation will continue her focus on supporting women and families. At a recent event about women’s economic empowerment, CEO Mark Suzman reassured that the foundation’s commitment to gender equality remains unchanged, with a deep and sustained focus on women’s economic empowerment. Despite the changes in their personal lives, both Bill and Melinda Gates continue to be active in philanthropy efforts, with a shared commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Overall, Bill Gates’ decline in the Forbes ranking can be attributed to his divorce from Melinda French Gates and the significant transfer of funds for her philanthropic endeavors. As they both continue their respective philanthropic work, it is clear that their focus on empowering women and making a positive impact on society remains a top priority. Their efforts to give back and support important causes will continue to shape their legacy and impact on the world, despite the changes in their personal lives.
