Melinda French Gates is set to donate $250 million to support women’s health organisations globally through a new open call. The announcement of this substantial pledge was made on Wednesday, marking a significant step in her philanthropic efforts following her departure from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation earlier this year. This initiative is part of a larger commitment of $1 billion over two years, aimed at empowering women and families worldwide.
Haven Ley, the chief strategy officer at French Gates’ organisation Pivotal Ventures, described the grant competition as a prelude to a renewed focus on funding women’s health on a global scale. While Pivotal Ventures has traditionally supported organisations advancing women’s empowerment in the U.S., this new endeavour signals a shift towards prioritising women’s health as a crucial component of female empowerment. Lever for Change, an affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, will oversee the grant competition named Action for Women’s Health, aiming to provide between $1 million and $5 million in unrestricted funding to at least 100 non-profit organisations worldwide.
The application process for interested non-profits begins with registration by December 3rd and extends through the end of 2025, involving peer and expert reviews to ensure transparency and equity in the selection process. Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, emphasised the importance of democratizing philanthropy through open calls, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and humane approach to funding decisions. French Gates’ philanthropic focus on women’s health encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including mental health and menopause, with the goal of identifying gaps and opportunities for strategic intervention.
Sarah Baird, a professor at The George Washington University, underscored the significance of addressing not only traditional health concerns but also broader issues such as mental health and gender-based violence that impact women’s overall well-being and economic productivity. French Gates’ commitment to supporting organisations advocating for women and girls represents a vital investment in addressing longstanding disparities in charitable giving. While progress has been made in this arena, there is still a need for increased donations across all income levels to adequately support initiatives focused on women and girls.
French Gates’ dedication to empowering women and advancing their rights through targeted philanthropy reflects a broader movement towards more inclusive and impactful giving practices. By prioritising women’s health on a global scale, she is championing a holistic approach to female empowerment that recognises the interconnectedness of health, well-being, and empowerment. As the application process for the grant competition unfolds, the impact of this significant donation is poised to catalyse meaningful change for women’s health organisations worldwide.