Gates Foundation Donated $5 Million to International Peace Institute After Epstein Introduction in 2013
A Fortune investigation reveals Jeffrey Epstein connected the International Peace Institute with the Gates Foundation and advised its staff on securing a $5 million donation. Former Epstein assistant Svetlana Pozhidaeva described how he used the arrangement to keep her in his orbit with a false promise of leading a pandemic preparedness conference.
jpost.comJeffrey Epstein connected the International Peace Institute and the Gates Foundation in 2013 and advised International Peace Institute employees on what to say to obtain their first $5 million donation from the Gates Foundation, according to a Fortune investigation by Jessica Mathews.
Epstein worked behind the scenes with Bill Gates to speed up the Gates Foundation donation process to the International Peace Institute. Between 2013 and 2015 the Gates Foundation contributed 20 percent of the International Peace Institute’s total donations.
Epstein was using the International Peace Institute as another avenue to control women and keep them in his orbit. One of those women was Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a former Russian model who was 31 years old when she served as a so-called assistant to Epstein for about five years. Pozhidaeva went on the record about her experiences.
Pozhidaeva said she was sexually abused by Epstein. She recalled thinking that because elite leaders came to Epstein’s house, maybe it was her who didn’t understand something. “If someone like this comes to [Epstein’s] house, maybe it’s me who doesn’t understand something here,” she told Fortune.
Epstein told Pozhidaeva she would orchestrate a conference on preparing for pandemics with health experts and diplomats, in partnership with both the International Peace Institute and the Gates Foundation. She was never given anything to do regarding the promised pandemic conference.
The promise of orchestrating the pandemic conference was one of the hooks Epstein used to keep Pozhidaeva close to him.
The Gates Foundation stated that the harm Epstein inflicted on women and girls was horrific, and no one should ever have to experience what they did. The foundation added that it is deeply troubling that, without their knowledge, Epstein used the Gates Foundation’s name to further his agenda.
The International Peace Institute stated that it joins with those around the world who have expressed solidarity with the survivors of Epstein’s wrongdoings.
Fortune reported that Pozhidaeva’s account offers further insight into tactics Epstein employed to retain women in his circle years after initial contact.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2013
Jeffrey Epstein connected the International Peace Institute and the Gates Foundation and advised IPI employees on securing the first $5 million donation.
1 source@FortuneMagazine - 2013-2015
Gates Foundation contributed 20% of the International Peace Institute’s total donations.
1 source@FortuneMagazine - undated (during 5-year period)
Svetlana Pozhidaeva, then 31, served as Epstein’s assistant, experienced sexual abuse, and was promised but never received a role organizing a pandemic conference with IPI and Gates Foundation.
1 source@FortuneMagazine - 2026-05-13
Fortune publishes Jessica Mathews investigation detailing the connections and Pozhidaeva’s account; Gates Foundation and International Peace Institute issue statements.
1 source@FortuneMagazine
Potential Impact
- 01
Pozhidaeva’s on-the-record account adds to the documented pattern of Epstein retaining women through false professional promises years after his initial convictions.
- 02
International Peace Institute’s public statement of solidarity with survivors could affect its reputation among U.N.-affiliated partners and future donors.
- 03
Revelations may prompt renewed scrutiny of philanthropic due diligence practices at major foundations and think tanks that accepted Epstein-linked introductions.
Transparency Panel
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