Must-Solve Problems

About this Fund

Complex problems—whether it’s addressing childhood malnutrition or achieving an equitable education—require new thinking, partnership, and commitment. We believe that giving fuels innovation and creative ideas that improve lives in our own communities and around the world. Explore the Fund’s focus areas.

When you give with us, you are harnessing expertise across the Gates Foundation to address must-solve problems.

Devin Carpenter teaches his 8th grade math students at KIPP Ascend Middle School in Chicago, IL.

Celso Alafo, Junior Entomologist from the Manhica Health Research Center prepares and counts mosquitos to test the effectiveness of Indoor Residual Spraying which was conducted in Maputo, Mozambique.

Giving together leads to big results

Total grants distributed, November 2016-June 2021

Data vis chart large
  1. Disease Elimination & Eradication — 5 Grants ($2.8M)

  2. Global Health Innovation — 10 Grants ($50.79M)

  3. Newborn & Child Health — 1 Grant ($0.50M)

  4. US Education — 4 Grants ($1.72M)

Progress is possible but isn’t inevitable

50%

Childhood deaths were cut in half between 1990 and 2017 thanks to innovations in vaccines and improved access to care, clean water, and sanitation.

85%

In 2020, about 85% of infants living in the world’s poorest countries received routine immunization (full course of vaccines to prevent diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) compared to 60% in 2000.

99%

In the last 30 years, polio cases globally have declined by 99%. The goal? Eliminate polio everywhere so that no child is at risk of contracting this debilitating disease.

14.29%

High school graduation rates in the US have increased by 14.29% since 1990, increasing economic opportunities for millions of young people.

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