What is the history of Bill and Melinda Gates foundation What are Research Paper

What is the history of Bill and Melinda Gates foundation What are their current Projects - Research Paper Example The formal launch of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was in 1999 summer. In early 2000, it was the largest philanthropic trust in the United States since its endowment stood at more than $22 billion. It mainly focus on global health and population control programs, education reform and minority scholarships, a wide range of Pacific Northwest institutions and programs, and libraries and access to information technology (Crowley, 2000). The foundation donated a total endowment of $17 billion in the form of Microsoft stock. However, the Foundation staff later transferred it into other assets to shield the organization both from the vagaries of the stock market and from the corporation. Under the direction of the senior Gates and Stonesifer, the foundation merged with the existing W.H. Gates and Gates Learning Foundations. There was also formation of major programmatic divisions for library and information systems, global health, and education directed respectively by Tom Vander Ark, Dr. Perkin and Dr. William Foege, and Richard Akeroyd (Crowley, 2000). The main goal of the foundation is to offer everyone an equal opportunity to prosper through elimination or reduction of barriers like poor nutrition, weak educational systems and poor health. Therefore, the largest part of its expenditure is on three broad issues: global development, global health and programs in the United States, which focuses on enhancing education (New York Times, 2010). For better management of its philanthropy base, the foundation adopted 15 guiding principles. Among these principles is the limited but crucial role played by philanthropy, the science and technology to enhance lives around the world by treating grantees as valued partners while still leaving room for growth and change. Founded on the beliefs of the Gates’ family, these principles have helped formulate policies used when giving grants to NGOs (Fundsforngos.org, 2008). Although it is unique