Microsoft founder Bill Gates (No. 1 in the ranking of the richest people on the planet in 2014, net worth: $76 billion) in November donated a $1.5 billion stake in the company to the Bill and Melinda Gates Charitable Foundation, Bloomberg reports, citing the foundation’s press service.

As follows from the information on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the businessman got rid of 30 million shares on January 30. As a result, Gates' stake in Microsoft decreased to 3%.

In turn, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) announced on January 27 that it had received a contribution of $7.5 billion, including a transfer of $1.55 billion from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Founded in 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. Its funds are allocated to improve the healthcare system. In particular, the foundation pays special attention to the prevention and treatment of AIDS, tuberculosis and the fight against malaria. In September, the foundation allocated $50 million to fight Ebola.

Gates donates $1.5 billion in Microsoft stock