Review Finds Gates Foundation Met Jeffrey Epstein Around 30 Times Despite Internal Concerns

The findings have renewed scrutiny of the foundation’s past decision-making and the ethics of risk management of large charities.

Review the details of several meetings 
The review found that foundation officials met with Epstein between 2011 and 2014. Potential fundraising opportunities and philanthropic partnerships were discussed, it was reported.

The report details the meetings, which were held at different locations and included senior reps. Contact continued for multiple years, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction and the public outcry that followed.

The staff had reservations. 
The review found some foundation employees were concerned about whether it was appropriate to continue meeting with Epstein. 

Internal emails and interviews cited in the report show staff expressed concerns about reputational risk and being associated with someone convicted of sex crimes.

There were several meetings despite those objections. The rationale at the time, the review said, was to explore large-scale donations for global health programmes.

The foundation said its meetings with Epstein did not include personal relationships and that ultimately no money was provided to Epstein or entities he controlled.

The foundation reacts to findings  
The Gates Foundation accepted the review’s recommendations in a statement and has since bolstered its governance and oversight policies.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics in all our work,” the statement read. “We have changed our processes to ensure a more rigorous internal review and accountability when considering partnerships or donations.”

The foundation also said it had introduced new training for staff on due diligence, conflict of interest and how to raise concerns.

Bring the focus back to transparency  
The report has once again shone a light on Epstein’s network of connections to movers and shakers in the business world, academia, and philanthropy. 

“The case illustrates a dilemma faced by many large charities: to balance the aspiration of raising funds for causes around the world with the need to carefully vet donors and partners,” ethics experts say.

“This is a reminder that process matters,” a nonprofit governance expert said. “Even well-intentioned organisations need clear rules about who they engage with, and staff need to feel safe raising red flags.”

The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest private charities, directing billions of dollars toward health, education and poverty programmes. 

The review finds no illegal activity, but the episode underscores the need for transparency and consistent ethical standards in philanthropy.