Bill Gates has discreetly ceased funding a $77 billion foundation that backs progressive causes and Democratic candidates.

The Gates Foundation announced in late June that it would halt grants to nonprofits overseen by Arabella Advisors, a Washington DC-based firm, as reported by the New York Times.

Foundation executives, who typically support global health initiatives, stated that they would refrain from making new investments with ‘Arabella-related entities,’ would not renew any existing grants to the consulting firm, and would even seek to ‘pursue early exits’ from several long-term investments.

They mentioned a desire to engage more directly with grant recipients and reduce reliance on intermediaries as the rationale for this shift.

‘Our teams are increasingly collaborating directly with programmatic partners – organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and closely aligned with our mission,’ the announcement dated June 24 indicated.

‘Looking forward, this presents an opportunity to cultivate deeper, more sustainable relationships with those partners – and to strengthen the legacy we aspire to leave behind.’

A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation also stated to the Times that the decision to sever ties with Arabella was ‘a business decision that reflects our ongoing strategic evaluations and partnerships.’

However, this change occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of Arabella for its ‘dark money’ contributions that support Democrats and progressive initiatives, as Gates aims to safeguard the charity he established and led for nearly thirty years.