The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation surpassed London's Wellcome Trust with the latest gift from the Microsoft Corp. founder and his wife, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Wellcome Trust has about 13 billion pounds, the equivalent of 21.4 billion dollars. They started off with just a billion or two and in the past year they've made this extraordinary infusion. The couple has given 20 billion worth of Microsoft stock to the foundation over the past year, said Trevor Neilson, a foundation spokesman. Microsoft shares have soared in recent years, making the software giant the most valuable company in the world, based on market capitalization.
Education is another focus.
Foundations are required by United States law to give away 5 percent of their assets each year. Back to Index Page. Ga. - Gov. Roy Barnes' budget proposals for next year will mark the first time Georgia has curbed some HOPE scholarship benefits, several student leaders charged Monday. University System Chancellor Stephen Portch acknowledged that the scholarship program no longer would pay certain student fees if the proposal is adopted. Many of their student fees also are covered.