MacKenzie Scott Donates $7.1 Billion to Nonprofits in 2025

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced a remarkable $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits for the year 2025, representing a significant increase from her past contributions. This announcement, made through an essay on her website, highlights her continued commitment to charitable giving.

In her essay, Scott emphasized that while the dollar amount might attract media attention, it pales in comparison to the numerous acts of kindness and support shared within communities. She noted her previous donations of $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023, bringing her total contributions since 2019 to an impressive $26.3 billion.

Impact on Nonprofits and Educational Institutions

Scott’s philanthropic approach has garnered interest for its unrestricted nature, allowing organizations to allocate funds as they see fit. This flexibility is especially significant given that her donations often exceed the annual budgets of the recipient nonprofits. According to Forbes, Scott’s net worth is estimated at $33 billion, largely derived from Amazon shares received following her divorce from founder Jeff Bezos.

As part of her giving this year, more than a dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) reported receiving a total of $783 million in donations. This information was revealed through research conducted by Marybeth Gasman, a professor at Rutgers University and an expert on HBCUs. Gasman praised Scott’s contributions, noting that they come at a crucial time when equity in education faces challenges.

Scott’s donations to HBCUs in 2025 are reportedly larger than her previous round of funding in 2020. While some schools that received funding in the past did not benefit this time, several new recipients emerged, illustrating a broadening impact of her philanthropy. Since 2020, Gasman has tracked a total of $1.35 billion in donations from Scott to these institutions.

Unique Philanthropic Strategy

In addition to HBCUs, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) received $70 million to support a collective endowment for participating HBCUs. Another $50 million was directed to the Native Forward Scholars Fund, which offers scholarships to Native American students. Unlike traditional funding avenues, Scott does not require grantees to report back on how they utilize the funds.

Research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy in 2023 indicated that most recipients of Scott’s donations have successfully managed the funds without significant issues. Kim Mazzuca, CEO of 10,000 Degrees, expressed her joy upon receiving an unexpected gift of $42 million. This amount is approximately double the organization’s annual budget, allowing them to expand their support for low-income students.

Mazzuca described the impact of Scott’s donations as a transformative opportunity. She noted that the funding would enable 10,000 Degrees to reach more students, pilot new technology tools, and establish an endowment. Mazzuca highlighted Scott’s thoughtful approach, stating, “She comes from a very deep, reflective space, very heartfelt.”

In her 2025 essay, Scott encouraged individuals to take action, stating, “There are many ways to influence how we move through the world, and where we land.” This call to action aligns with her broader vision of philanthropy as a means to empower communities and foster equity.

Overall, Scott’s significant contributions and unique approach to philanthropy continue to set a precedent in the nonprofit sector, inspiring others to consider how they can impact their communities positively.