Our work

We work with partners worldwide to tackle critical problems
Lab technicians conducting mosquito research at Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. ©Burnardfoundation/Frederic Courbet

Our focus is on addressing the areas with the greatest need, and finding the most impactful ways to make a positive difference.

From poverty and health to education, our key areas of focus present the opportunity to significantly enhance the quality of life for billions of people. To make this possible, we forge partnerships that unite resources, expertise, and vision—collaborating with top organizations worldwide to identify challenges, discover solutions, and drive meaningful change.

Places

Places

Our work relies on grantees and partners across the United States and in over 130 countries who bring on-the-ground expertise, a deep understanding of the issues we focus on, and strong connections with the communities we aim to impact. Additionally, we’ve learned the importance of having foundation representatives in key regions to help build relationships with partner organizations and governments, better understand local policy environments, and ensure cultural sensitivity.
Program strategies

Program strategies

We support innovative ideas that tackle the barriers preventing people from living their best lives. Some of the projects we back may not succeed, and we not only understand this but expect it. Philanthropy involves taking risks on solutions that governments and businesses cannot afford to try. As we learn which risks yield positive results, we adjust our strategies and share the outcomes to benefit everyone.

Our Gender Equality Division works to ensure women and girls in Africa and South Asia can enjoy good health, make their own choices, earn their own money, and be leaders in their societies.

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Our Global Development Division focuses on improving the delivery of high-impact health products and services to the world’s poorest communities and helps countries expand access to health coverage.

Our Global Growth & Opportunity Division focuses on creating and scaling market-based innovations to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. 

Our Global Health Division aims to reduce inequities in health by developing new tools and strategies to reduce the burden of infectious disease and the leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. 

Our Global Policy & Advocacy Division seeks to build strategic relationships and promote policies that will help advance our work.

Our United States Program Division works to ensure everyone in the United States can learn, grow, and get ahead, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or family income

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More about our work

More about our work

How we work

We focus on outcomes—both those that can be quantified and those that are measured in ways beyond mere numbers.

Committed grants
We have supported thousands of projects, both large and small. Our database tracks payments made and committed since 1994.
Strategic Investments

We collaborate with entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations to create incentives that leverage the power of private enterprise, driving change for those who need it most.