SEATTLE, July 20 (UPI) -- Microsoft founder Bill Gates has pledged about $3 billion expected from a one-time special stock dividend to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Microsoft's board of directors Tuesday approved a special dividend of $3 a share, contingent on approval of shareholders, which would net Gates approximately $3 billion. The Gates foundation has given billions to worthy causes.
"The pledge today is recognition that our world, the nation and our region -- now more than ever -- can and should dramatically improve equity in health, education, and access to information and human services for vulnerable families," Gates said.
Gates donated $50 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS at the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok last week.
The Seattle-based charitable foundation, named after the world's richest billionaire and his wife, funds public libraries, education, global health initiatives and provides support for at-risk families in Washington States and Oregon.
