The Philanthropic Playbook of Bill Gates

Saturday 29th of March 2025 07:05:00

Here are the Top 3 Holdings in the Gates Foundation's Portfolio

March 29, 2025

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the most influential and philanthropically-minded organizations in the world, with a focus on combating poverty, disease, and inequality. While the foundation's exact investment portfolio is not publicly disclosed, we can look at the top holdings in its endowment fund to get a sense of the types of investments it favors.

According to the foundation's latest 2024 endowment report, the top three holdings in its portfolio are:

  1. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates' connection to the tech giant is no surprise. The foundation's endowment has a significant stake in the company, which has been a major driver of its wealth. Microsoft's market value has more than tripled since the foundation's endowment report was published, so it's likely that the foundation's holding has also increased in value.
  2. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Johnson & Johnson is a healthcare giant with a diverse range of products and services. The foundation's endowment has a significant stake in the company, which has a long history of innovation and philanthropy. Johnson & Johnson has a market value of over $1 trillion, making it one of the largest healthcare companies in the world.
  3. Procter & Gamble Company (PG): Procter & Gamble is another consumer goods giant with a long history of innovation and philanthropy. The foundation's endowment has a significant stake in the company, which has a diverse range of products including Tide laundry detergent, Pampers diapers, and Gillette razors. Procter & Gamble has a market value of over $250 billion, making it one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world.

These three holdings account for a significant portion of the foundation's endowment, which is estimated to be worth over $50 billion. The foundation's investment strategy is focused on generating returns that can be used to support its philanthropic efforts, as well as preserving its endowment for future generations.