An external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation found no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein was paid by the foundation or that foundation staff participated in or knew about his criminal activities, addressing long-standing scrutiny tied to Bill Gates’ associations. The review, conducted by WilmerHale and covering 2011 to 2014, identified two main engagements with Epstein: a proposed donor-advised fund and funding to the International Peace Institute for polio eradication, with the latter proceeding after internal diligence. The foundation says the donor-advised fund idea was abandoned and that funding to IPI was for polio work, with extensive interviews and document review supporting the findings. In response to the findings, the Gates Foundation announced new governance and vetting measures, including centralized broker and donor-advisor vetting, stronger conflict-of-interest policies, and improved handling of sensitive records, as part of strengthening oversight. Bill Gates and the foundation have repeatedly expressed regret for any interaction with Epstein while emphasizing that no evidence of payments or wrongdoing emerged from the review. The results come as the foundation seeks to reassure partners, grantees, and the public amid ongoing scrutiny of its leadership and governance.