Gates Foundation external review finds no evidence of payments to Jeffrey Epstein

com – The Gates Foundation external review finds no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein received payments from the organization or that its staff

External Review Findings

Theindiapostdaily.com – The Gates Foundation external review finds no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein received payments from the organization or that its staff participated in or knew about his criminal activities. On Tuesday, July 21, the foundation announced the results alongside a comprehensive set of governance reforms designed to strengthen oversight and risk management protocols.

The independent investigation was conducted by law firm WilmerHale, which was retained earlier this year after the foundation acknowledged regret over having employees interact with the late financier and convicted sex offender in any capacity. Commissioned by CEO Mark Suzman in March 2026 with support from Foundation Chair Bill Gates and independent Governing Board members, the review encompassed more than 50 interviews with current and former employees alongside an extensive examination of internal documents.

According to the foundation, WilmerHale discovered no evidence that Epstein received payments from the foundation and no evidence that foundation personnel participated in or were aware of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation or other criminal conduct. The Gates Foundation external review finds that the organization’s engagement with Epstein between 2011 and 2014 centered on two primary initiatives.

The first initiative involved a proposed donor-advised fund intended to pool donations from wealthy philanthropists to support global public health. The foundation ultimately abandoned the proposal after the promised donors and philanthropic partners did not materialize. The second initiative involved the International Peace Institute, a nonprofit organization introduced to Bill Gates by Epstein. The foundation later awarded a grant to IPI for polio eradication efforts following its standard internal due diligence and review process.

Governance Reforms Approved

Following the review, the Governing Board unanimously approved several measures aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. The reforms include a centralized vetting process for brokers, donor advisers, co-funders and other third parties connected through senior leadership. Additionally, the foundation established a formal escalation process for organizational and reputational risks linked to projects introduced by the chair, board members or executive leadership.

Further reforms include clearer authority and oversight for personnel holding dual roles with the foundation and organizations associated with Bill Gates. The organization also expanded conflict-of-interest policies covering a broader range of actual and potential conflicts, alongside stronger safeguards and approval requirements for handling sensitive and confidential foundation records.

Leadership Response

CEO Mark Suzman said the review reinforces the importance of maintaining trust while strengthening internal controls. “The work we do depends on integrity and earning and maintaining the trust of partners,” Suzman said. “That’s why we welcome the findings of this external review and are moving forward with Board-approved actions to further strengthen how we vet partners, manage risk and ensure accountability going forward.”

Bill Gates said completing the review provides greater clarity for employees, partners and grantees while improving oversight. “Completing this review is an important step in providing the clarity that partners, employees, and grantees deserve as well as strengthening our oversight with additional policies going forward,” Gates said. “We are committed to ensuring trust and transparency are never compromised.”

Gates Foundation board member Tom Tierney said the organization would now focus on implementing the recommendations. “The review prompted hard questions and we got straight answers,” Tierney said. “The trust of employees, partners, and the communities the foundation serves is fundamental to its mission. Now the path ahead is tactical implementation with the same rigor and discipline the foundation applies to its core work.”