Writings by Randall

Bill Gates’ decision to spend down the Gates Foundation within 20 years of his and Melinda French Gates’ deaths marks a bold shift in philanthropy. By prioritizing urgency, scale, and present-day stewardship, he aims to tackle global challenges while his dollars can make the greatest impact. Yet this immediacy comes with trade-offs—loss of continuity, institutional memory, and philanthropic infrastructure. Gates’ choice sparks a bigger question for philanthropy: should wealth fuel immediate change or perpetual legacy?