URGENT UPDATE: Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has just announced a staggering $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits for 2025, significantly increasing her annual giving from previous years. This announcement is creating waves in the philanthropic community and beyond.
In a heartfelt essay on her website, Scott emphasized that while the dollar amount is notable, it represents just a fraction of the compassion being shared across communities this year. She stated, “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year.”
Scott’s previous donations included $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023, bringing her total contributions since 2019 to a remarkable $26.3 billion. Her generosity has sparked interest due to its unrestrictive nature, as her gifts often exceed the annual budgets of recipient organizations.
Forbes estimates Scott’s net worth at $33 billion, primarily from Amazon shares she received after her divorce from founder Jeff Bezos in 2019. Notably, Scott has made substantial donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with over $783 million awarded to these institutions in 2025 alone, according to research by Rutgers professor Marybeth Gasman.
“One of the things that I really admire about MacKenzie Scott is that she is like an equity machine,” Gasman remarked, highlighting Scott’s impact amid ongoing battles for equity in education.
Scott’s donations are characterized by their lack of application requirements, meaning organizations often receive funds with little notice. This approach is a stark contrast to traditional philanthropy, where grants typically come with strings attached. This year, organizations like UNCF received $70 million, which will help build a collective endowment for participating HBCUs. Additionally, $50 million was allocated to the Native Forward Scholars Fund.
Not every organization that has received funds from Scott in the past was awarded this year, but there were also many first-time recipients. In total, Gasman has tracked $1.35 billion in donations from Scott to HBCUs since 2020.
Scott’s approach to philanthropy is unique; she does not require grantees to report back on how they use the funds. Research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy indicated that recipients generally manage the funds well, with few experiencing challenges.
Kim Mazzuca, CEO of the nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, expressed her astonishment at receiving a $42 million donation this year, nearly double her organization’s annual budget. “I was just filled with such joy,” she said, emphasizing the transformative potential of Scott’s generosity. 10,000 Degrees supports low-income students in graduating college without incurring debt.
Scott’s investments are not solely monetary; they reflect her commitment to mission-aligned initiatives. In her recent essays, she has called for action and encouraged people to recognize their own power to effect change. “There are many ways to influence how we move through the world, and where we land,” she stated.
The implications of Scott’s donations extend beyond immediate financial support. They signify a shift in philanthropic practices, showcasing the potential for unrestricted giving to empower communities and organizations. As Scott continues to reshape the landscape of giving, her efforts are drawing significant attention and praise across sectors.
As this story develops, many will be watching closely to see how Scott’s contributions will impact the nonprofit landscape and the communities they serve. Her commitment to philanthropy is more than just financial; it’s a call to action for others to engage in meaningful support.