MacKenzie Scott Donates $7.1 Billion to Nonprofits in 2025

Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott announced on March 15, 2025, her remarkable donation of $7.1 billion to various nonprofits, marking a significant increase from her earlier contributions. This announcement comes as a continuation of her commitment to philanthropy, following donations of $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023. Since 2019, Scott has donated a total of $26.3 billion.

In an essay published on her website, Scott emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “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.” Her approach to philanthropy has garnered attention due to the unrestricted nature of her donations, often surpassing the annual budgets of recipient organizations.

Transformative Impact on Education and Equity

Scott’s contributions have particularly impacted historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Research conducted by Marybeth Gasman, a professor at Rutgers University, revealed that over a dozen HBCUs collectively received $783 million from Scott in 2025. Gasman noted that Scott’s donations to these institutions are substantial compared to previous years, highlighting her as an “equity machine” during a time when educational equity efforts face significant challenges.

Among the notable recipients, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) received $70 million, which will be invested in a collective endowment for participating HBCUs. Additionally, the Native Forward Scholars Fund received $50 million to support Native American students pursuing college and graduate studies. Scott’s methodology stands apart from traditional philanthropy, as she does not impose limitations on how the funds should be used, allowing organizations the flexibility to allocate resources according to their needs.

According to a 2023 study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, recipients of Scott’s donations have generally managed the funds effectively and have not reported issues related to funding withdrawal from other donors. Kim Mazzuca, CEO of the California-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, expressed her excitement upon receiving a first-time donation of $42 million from Scott. This amount represents approximately double the organization’s annual budget, enabling it to expand its services and support for low-income students.

A Shift Towards Mission-Aligned Investments

Scott’s philanthropy is characterized by its personal nature, underscored by her reflections on her own experiences receiving support during her education. She has stated her intention to shift more of her funds into “mission-aligned” investments rather than traditional investment vehicles focused solely on financial returns. In her 2025 essay, she urged individuals to recognize their capacity for influence, articulating, “There are many ways to influence how we move through the world, and where we land.”

Scott’s approach to philanthropy is unique in that she does not maintain a public-facing office or foundation, making it difficult for organizations to apply directly for funding. Instead, they are typically informed of their donations through intermediaries, often with little prior indication. This model allows her to support a diverse range of organizations without the constraints commonly associated with conventional grant-making processes.

As Scott continues to redefine the landscape of philanthropy, her substantial contributions are not merely financial but also serve to empower communities and organizations to enact meaningful change. Her commitment to unrestricted giving highlights the potential for philanthropy to foster innovation and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

The Associated Press covers philanthropy and non-profit initiatives with support from collaborations such as the one with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.. The AP maintains sole responsibility for its content.