Our work

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

We are focused on the areas of greatest need, on the ways in which we can do the most good.

From poverty to health, to education, our areas of focus offer the opportunity to dramatically improve the quality of life for billions of people. So we build partnerships that bring together resources, expertise, and vision—working with the best organizations around the globe to identify issues, find answers, and drive change.

Places

Places

Our work depends on grantees and partners across the United States and in more than 130 countries who have on-the-ground expertise, a deep understanding of the issues we care about, and strong ties with the communities in which we aim to make a difference. At the same time, we have learned the value of having foundation representatives based in key regions—to help us build relationships with partner organizations and governments, better understand the policy environment, and remain culturally sensitive.
Program strategies

Program strategies

We support new ideas to address obstacles that stop people from living their best lives. Some projects we support will not succeed. We not only understand that, we anticipate it. Philanthropy means taking chances on solutions that governments and businesses cannot afford to take. As we discover which risks pay off, we adapt our strategies and share the outcomes for everyone's advantage.

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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Adolescents & Social Norms

Digital Connectivity

Family Planning

Gender Data & Insights

Gender Integration

Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition & Health

Women in Leadership

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Women’s Health Innovations

More about our work

More about our work

How we work

We are focused on results. Those that can be measured. And those measured in ways beyond numbers.

Committed grants
We’ve funded thousands of projects, large and small. Our database includes payments made and committed from 1994 onward.
Strategic Investments

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