Stories That Inspired Us in 2015

Gates Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
3 min readDec 18, 2015

At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we believe that all lives have equal value, and that a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life is completely, utterly possible.

Throughout 2015 there have been a number of moments that prove the world is making progress on that vision. Here are a few that inspired us.

Giving Back Has Gone Global

You might think that most giving comes from philanthropists, nonprofits, and other large donors, but individuals are actually at the top of the list.

Every year, more than 2 billion people around the world help a stranger, 1.4 billion donate money to a cause they care about, and 1 billion volunteer their time and energy.

Two Women, Two Futures

Manju and Sushma are both from Bihar, India. Both are the same age, with a similar upbringing. So, why are their lives so different?

Melinda Gates wrote about Manju and Sushma earlier this year, and explained how family planning is critical to setting women on a path toward prosperity.

Help Wanted: 11 Million College Grads

By 2025, two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require a college degree or certificate beyond a high school diploma.

Bill Gates wrote about how the U.S. could face a shortage of 11 million skilled workers unless more students start earning college degrees.

Reflections On My First Year as CEO of the Gates Foundation

Sue Desmond-Hellmann visits the Village Health and Nutrition Day camp in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Our CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann looks back at her first year at the Gates Foundation and talks about what she’s learned, what inspires her, and her goals for the future.

My Wife Gave Birth in Our Car - Here’s Why We Were Lucky

A new father shared an amazing story that puts healthcare access into perspective. While his son was born in a parking lot, the experience for mother and baby was still far safer than what many families face around the world.

The Gates Foundation Joined Instagram

We’re fortunate to have incredible photos of progress and optimism from around the world — and we just had to share.

Without a doubt, 2015 was a great year. But here’s the thing: The future is looking even brighter.

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Gates Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

We work to help all people lead healthy, productive lives, focused on health, poverty, and opportunity. Follow our leaders for more: http://gates.ly/1ztylqj