Source: Fortune
Summary
MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated $26 billion since 2019, with a focus on DEI, education, and disaster relief. She has reduced her stake in Amazon by 42% and still has a net worth of $42.7 billion. Scott’s philanthropic style is unique in that she makes gifts unrestricted, allowing organizations to choose how to use the donations. She has been recognized as the third-most generous philanthropist by Forbes, behind Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Her recent donations include $80 million to Howard University, $50 million to Virginia State University, and $42 million to Alcorn State University.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
MacKenzie Scott’s donations are filling the void left by the Trump administration’s cuts to DEI, education, and disaster relief. Her philanthropic style is empowering organizations to direct funds quickly and innovatively. Scott’s focus on HBCUs and community colleges is rewriting the higher ed playbook. She has given away more than $7 billion last year, but her secretive style got her snubbed from a top donors list. Her net worth continues to grow despite her donations, adding $2.35 billion to her net worth year-to-date.
She’s giving away billions, but her wealth is still growing.
Author: Evan Null
