Policies and resources
To ensure transparency and access, the foundation provides information on various policies, statements, and definitions.
Evaluation Policy
Our evaluation policy is intended to help foundation staff and our partners align their expectations in determining why, when, and how to use evaluation. Because the foundation supports a diverse range of partners and projects, it is necessary to have a clear organizational understanding of how evaluation should vary to best inform decision-making across each of these areas.
Information Sharing Approach
With an open exchange of information and ideas, we can better assess evidence, identify opportunities, build trust and learn for each other’s experiences. The foundation’s approach to transparency is grounded in our commitment to helping our partners understand what we do and why we do it.
Global Access Statement
Global Access is a concept developed by the foundation to ensure foundation-funded projects (whether they be grants, contracts or program related investments, collectively, “Programmatic Investments”) and the resulting products, services, processes, technologies, materials, software, data and other innovations (collectively, “Funded Developments”) will have positive impact on the beneficiaries served by the foundation’s work.
Open Access Policy
We have adopted an Open Access policy that enables the unrestricted access and reuse of all peer-reviewed published research funded, in whole or in part, by the foundation, including any underlying data sets.
Glossary of terms
Definitions of frequently used terms, such as 503(c)(3), Direct Charitable Expense (DCE), and Request for Proposal (RFP).
Tax status definitions
Definitions of tax statuses when indicating your U.S. tax status on your Concept Memos.
Governing Principles
The foundation is governed by a board of trustees, co-chaired by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. The board provides strategic oversight and expertise to the foundation and steers the organization in furtherance of its mission to create a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.