NEW YORK – Author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025, marking a sharp increase from previous years. In an essay published on her website, Scott emphasized that while the dollar amount may attract attention, it represents only a fraction of the broader expressions of care taking place in communities nationwide. Her giving totaled $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023, bringing her cumulative donations since 2019 to $26.3 billion.
Scott’s contributions stand out because they are largely unrestricted, allowing recipient organizations significant flexibility in how they use the funds. With an estimated net worth of $33 billion, most derived from Amazon shares received following her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, Scott does not maintain a public-facing office or foundation, making direct applications for funding impossible. Notifications of donations are typically delivered through intermediaries without prior warning. In 2025, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) received $783 million in gifts, surpassing their previous rounds of support. In total, Scott has provided $1.35 billion to HBCUs since 2020, including $70 million to UNCF to support a collective endowment and $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund for Native American students.
Recipients say the gifts allow organizations to expand programs, build endowments, and invest in proven solutions without the administrative constraints typical of foundation grants. For example, California-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees received $42 million—roughly double its annual budget—enabling it to scale scholarships, mentoring, and technology initiatives. Leaders praised Scott for her thoughtful, reflective approach to philanthropy, noting that her support empowers communities and individuals to act on their own potential. Scott’s essay also highlighted her personal experiences of receiving help during college and her broader commitment to “mission-aligned” investments that prioritize impact over maximum financial return. Through her giving, Scott encourages a culture of generosity and action, emphasizing the ripple effects of meaningful support.