MacKenzie Scott donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, a sharp uptick from previous years
Philanthropist and billionaire MacKenzie Scott made headlines on Tuesday with the announcement that she has donated a staggering $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025. This marks a significant increase from her previous yearly contributions, with donations of $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023. Since 2019, Scott’s total giving has reached an impressive $26.3 billion.
In an essay on her website, Yield Giving, Scott emphasized that the dollar amount is just a fraction of the care being shared within communities. Her donations, which come with no strings attached, have caught the attention of nonprofits and charitable funders due to their size and impact. With a net worth estimated at $33 billion, primarily from Amazon shares following her divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019, Scott’s generosity is making a significant difference.
Research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy revealed that Scott has donated to over 2,000 nonprofits, with a median gift size of around $5 million. What sets Scott apart is her unconventional approach – organizations cannot apply for funding, and she maintains no public-facing office or foundation. Recipients are often notified through an intermediary with little warning.
One area that has benefited greatly from Scott’s philanthropy is historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In 2025, Scott donated a total of $783 million to several HBCUs, including Norfolk State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Bowie State University. Her support for HBCUs has been praised for promoting equity in education, particularly at a time when such efforts are crucial.
In addition to her contributions to HBCUs, Scott donated $70 million to UNCF, the largest provider of scholarships to minority students. The funds will bolster a collective endowment for participating HBCUs. Another $50 million went to the Native Forward Scholars Fund, which supports Native American students pursuing higher education.
Unlike traditional foundations or major donors, Scott does not require grantees to report back on how they use the funds. Her approach reflects a belief in the power of generosity and kindness to create lasting impact. Scott’s investments in mission-aligned ventures, such as a company offering loans to students, demonstrate her commitment to making a difference beyond just financial contributions.
In her 2025 essay, Scott encouraged others to take action and influence the world positively. Her message of creating ripple effects through acts of kindness resonates with her own experiences of receiving help when needed. Scott’s generosity continues to inspire others to make a difference and create a better future for all.
