When Bill Gates decided to announce his plan to donate 99% of his wealth—approximately $107 billion—to the Gates Foundation as it marked its 25th anniversary, he chose the Associated Press to share the news.
It’s one of the largest philanthropic pledges in history, though not necessarily the biggest. Thalia Beaty’s meticulous reporting helped clarify that distinction, noting that the comparative size of Gates’ and Warren Buffett’s donations hinges in part on long-term stock valuations.
That commitment to accuracy was one of the key reasons the Gates Foundation gave Beaty and AP exclusive access to foundation officials—and a 15-minute head start on publishing the news.
Beaty spent months building out a comprehensive package that examined the foundation’s legacy—both its achievements and controversies—and its plans for the remaining 20 years of its operations.
Related articles
