Philanthropist and Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has made a significant impact with her recent donation of $640 million to 361 nonprofit organizations. This generous contribution is part of Scott's ongoing commitment to give away most of her wealth, which she pledged to do in 2019. To date, she has donated an estimated $12 billion to over 1,200 nonprofit organizations.
For the first time, Scott set up an open call for organizations to apply for a gift through her organization, Yield Giving. The application process focused on supporting organizations that work with individuals and communities facing significant challenges in the United States.
Over 6,000 organizations applied for the opportunity, with 361 community-led nonprofits ultimately selected to receive funding. These organizations were recognized for their exceptional efforts in advancing the voices and opportunities of marginalized individuals and families.
The original plan was to award 250 organizations with $1 million each. However, due to the outstanding work of the applicants, the donor team decided to expand the number of awardees and increase the award amounts.
The 361 organizations that received awards are spread across 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, addressing a diverse range of social issues. Scott's philanthropic efforts have also extended to areas such as climate, education, and humanitarian relief, including support for Ukraine.
In addition to the recent $640 million donation, Scott revealed that she had donated nearly $4 billion to various organizations in the previous nine months. Her contributions continue to make a significant impact on communities in need.
Overall, MacKenzie Scott's philanthropy serves as a testament to her dedication to supporting those facing adversity and working towards positive social change.
