Mackenzie Scott's Monumental Donations: A Legacy of Philanthropy
Mackenzie Scott, a billionaire investor and one of the most generous philanthropists of our time, has reshaped the world of giving with her unprecedented financial contributions. Known for her swift, no-strings-attached grants to nonprofits across the globe, Scott has donated over $17.3 billion since 2019. Her donations have made a profound impact on education, community development, social justice, and climate resilience.
- Age: 54 (born April 7, 1970)
- Business: Investor, Philanthropist, Former Amazon Shareholder
- Height: 5’5” (165 cm)
- Spouse: Formerly married to Jeff Bezos (1993–2019); remarried to Dan Jewett (2021, reportedly separated)
- Net Worth: Approximately $36 billion as of 2025
Here’s a detailed look at where Scott has donated her fortune and the impact of her philanthropic efforts.
2024: Major Donations and a Strategic Shift
Though 2024 was quieter for Scott in terms of donations, she still made several transformative contributions:
- Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC): In October, Scott donated a record-breaking $65 million to the New York-based nonprofit focused on community development and housing stability. This marks LISC’s largest gift to date.
- Corporation for Supportive Housing: In September, Scott provided $40 million to this organization, which addresses homelessness and housing insecurity.
- Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs: A $10 million grant in September aimed at supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities.
- Nonprofit Finance Fund: Received $22 million in October to strengthen financial solutions for nonprofits.
- Coastal Enterprises Inc.: This rural development organization announced an unexpected $15 million gift in October, intended to support local business initiatives.
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Previous Donations: A Billion-Dollar Philanthropic Journey
Since her historic 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Scott has made it her mission to give away the majority of her fortune. Her approach is characterized by large, unrestricted grants designed to empower organizations to address societal issues without bureaucratic red tape.
Some of her significant past donations include:
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Educational Equity:
- $2.7 billion in 2021 to various educational organizations, particularly HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
- A $50 million donation to Prairie View A&M University, the largest gift ever received by a public HBCU.
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Health and Social Justice:
- In 2020, Scott donated $4.2 billion to 384 organizations, including food banks and health clinics during the height of the pandemic.
- A notable grant of $25 million went to Planned Parenthood.
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Environmental and Climate Action:
- Multiple donations to climate-focused initiatives, though the exact figures remain undisclosed due to the private nature of her LLC-managed giving.
Related: A Day in the Life of Jeff Bezos: Octopus for Breakfast, Puttering, and Gym Gains
How She Gives: Lost Horse LLC and Yield Giving
Scott manages her philanthropic and investment activities through Lost Horse LLC, a Seattle-based entity that allows for greater flexibility and privacy. Her donations are often revealed only when recipient organizations choose to disclose them.
In March 2024, Scott disclosed that she had given $640 million to 361 nonprofits selected from over 6,000 applicants. These organizations were listed on her website, Yield Giving, a platform dedicated to transparency about her philanthropic journey.
What's Next for Mackenzie Scott?
While Scott has sold $8.4 billion worth of Amazon shares as of September 2024, much of this fortune remains unallocated. With her track record of transformative giving, nonprofits and social impact organizations eagerly anticipate her next move.
Though Scott’s representatives remain tight-lipped about future plans, it’s clear that her mission to create a more equitable and just world is far from over. Her strategic, thoughtful approach continues to set a new standard for philanthropy, proving that wealth, when shared wisely, can indeed change the world.
