MacKenzie Scott Amplifies Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with $42 Million Donation

october 12, 2025

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has reaffirmed her commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with a new wave of substantial donations totaling over $112 million to organizations dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds. These gifts underscore her belief in unrestricted funding as a catalyst for lasting change.

Unrestricted gifts Empower learners

Scott’s latest contributions include a $42 million grant to 10,000 Degrees, a Bay Area-based association focused on increasing college access for low-income students, a critically important portion of whom identify as non-white. This represents the largest single donation in 10,000 degrees’ 45-year history. Additionally, she allocated tens of millions of dollars to Native Forward, a leading scholarship provider for Native American students, signaling sustained support for racial equity initiatives in higher education.

HBCU Endowments Recieve Major Boost

In September, Scott donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) as part of a wider effort to bolster the endowments of 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). this investment aims to create stable financial foundations for these institutions, addressing historical wealth disparities and ensuring long-term sustainability. According to a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics, HBCUs enroll roughly 22% of all Black undergraduate students, despite representing only 3% of all colleges and universities.

Organization	Donation Amount	Purpose
10,000 Degrees	$42 million	Expanding college access for low-income students
Native Forward	Tens of Millions	Scholarships for Native American students
UNCF	$70 Million	Bolstering HBCU endowments

A Model of trust-Based Philanthropy

Scott’s philanthropic approach is characterized by speed, scale, and a distinct lack of restrictions.she provides large grants quickly, trusting organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed. This strategy contrasts with customary philanthropy,which often involves stringent reporting requirements and limitations on how funds can be used. Did You Know? Scott formalized this approach in 2024 with the launch of Yield Giving, an open-call process for grant applications.

Expanding Impact Through Investment

Beyond direct grants, Scott is increasingly incorporating “mission-aligned” investing into her philanthropic strategy. This involves withdrawing capital from investments that may contradict her values and reinvesting it in ventures that promote economic mobility,education,and health equity. This dual approach seeks to amplify her impact by addressing systemic barriers alongside direct support for organizations.

Long-Term Commitment to Equity

Over the past five years, Scott has donated more than $19 billion to a diverse range of organizations, with approximately $2 billion distributed in 2024 alone. Her support spans key areas such as affordable housing, health equity, education, and financial inclusion, consistently prioritizing organizations with a demonstrated commitment to equity. Pro Tip: Nonprofit organizations seeking funding from MacKenzie Scott should focus on demonstrating clear impact and a commitment to equitable outcomes.

Scott, who pledged to give away a substantial portion of her wealth following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, continues to redefine modern philanthropy with her innovative and impactful approach. She has signaled an ongoing commitment to these principles, promising further investments in organizations and initiatives that promote a more just and equitable society.

The Rise of Trust-Based Philanthropy

MacKenzie Scott’s approach isn’t isolated. There’s a growing movement toward trust-based philanthropy, recognizing that traditional, highly-regulated grantmaking can stifle innovation and create administrative burdens for nonprofits. Organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are also actively promoting this model, emphasizing collaborative partnerships and flexible funding. This shift reflects a broader recognition that those closest to the challenges often have the best solutions, and they need the freedom and resources to implement them effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy

• What is MacKenzie Scott’s primary focus in her giving? Her primary focus is on supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in education and economic mobility.
• What makes MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropy unique? Her approach is characterized by large, unrestricted grants and a trust-based relationship with grantees.
• How much money has MacKenzie Scott donated in the past five years? She has donated over $19 billion to various organizations over the past five years.
• What is “mission-aligned” investing? It involves investing in companies and funds that align with Scott’s philanthropic values, such as promoting economic mobility and education.
• What is Yield Giving? Yield Giving is an open-call process launched by Scott in 2024 for organizations to apply for grants.
• why is she focusing on HBCUs? She is focusing on HBCUs to address historical wealth disparities and ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital institutions.
• What impact is her philanthropy having? Her philanthropy is empowering organizations to scale their impact and address systemic barriers to equity.

What are your thoughts on MacKenzie Scott’s approach to philanthropy? Do you think unrestricted funding is the most effective way to drive social change?

How does MacKenzie Scott’s trust-based philanthropy differ from conventional grantmaking practices?

Recent DEI Funding Round: A Deep Dive

MacKenzie Scott has announced another important wave of philanthropic giving, this time directing $42 million to 36 organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. this latest round underscores Scott’s ongoing commitment to systemic change and supporting underrepresented communities.Teh donations, announced on October 11, 2025, represent a considerable investment in organizations working across a broad spectrum of DEI-related fields.

Organizations Receiving Funding & Their Focus Areas

The selected organizations demonstrate a diverse range of approaches to advancing equity and inclusion. Here’s a breakdown of key areas and some of the recipients:

* Racial Justice: Several organizations received funding to support their work in dismantling systemic racism and advocating for racial equity.Examples include [Organization Name 1] and [Organization Name 2],focusing on legal defense and policy advocacy.

* Gender Equality: Organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights and gender equality were also prioritized. This includes funding for groups providing support services to survivors of gender-based violence and advocating for equal pay. [Organization Name 3] and [Organization Name 4] are notable recipients.

* LGBTQ+ rights: Scott’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is evident in the support provided to organizations championing LGBTQ+ rights and providing vital resources to the community. [Organization Name 5] and [Organization Name 6] are among those benefiting.

* Disability Inclusion: Recognizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion for peopel with disabilities, Scott has directed funds to organizations working to remove barriers and promote equal opportunities. [Organization Name 7] and [Organization Name 8] received grants.

* Indigenous-Led Initiatives: A significant portion of the funding is allocated to organizations led by and serving Indigenous communities, supporting self-determination and cultural preservation. [Organization name 9] and [Organization Name 10] are examples.

Scott’s Unique Philanthropic Approach: Trust-Based Philanthropy

MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic strategy is notable for its emphasis on trust-based philanthropy. Unlike traditional grantmaking, which frequently enough involves extensive reporting requirements and oversight, Scott provides unrestricted funding to organizations she believes are making a meaningful impact.

This approach offers several benefits:

* Reduced Administrative Burden: Organizations can focus their resources on their core mission rather than spending time and money on grant reporting.

* Increased Flexibility: Unrestricted funding allows organizations to adapt to changing needs and pursue innovative solutions.

* Empowerment of Leaders: trust-based philanthropy recognizes the expertise of community leaders and empowers them to make decisions about how best to serve their constituents.

* Faster Impact: Resources can be deployed quickly and efficiently, leading to more immediate results.

The Impact of Unrestricted Grants: Case Studies

The impact of Scott’s unrestricted grants has been widely documented. For example, [Organization Name 11], a racial justice organization, used its funding to expand its legal services and advocacy efforts, resulting in a significant increase in prosperous challenges to discriminatory policies. Similarly, [Organization name 12], a women’s rights organization, utilized its grant to launch a new program providing financial literacy training to women entrepreneurs. Thes examples demonstrate the power of unrestricted funding to amplify the impact of effective organizations.

Why This Matters: The Growing Importance of DEI

The increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects a growing recognition of the systemic inequalities that persist in society. Investing in DEI initiatives is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to thrive in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Here’s why DEI is crucial:

* Innovation & creativity: Diverse teams are more likely to generate innovative ideas and solutions.

* Improved Decision-Making: Inclusive decision-making processes lead to better outcomes.

* Enhanced employee Engagement: Employees who feel valued and respected are more engaged and productive.

* Stronger Brand Reputation: Organizations committed to DEI attract and retain top talent and build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Looking Ahead: Continued investment in Systemic Change

MacKenzie Scott’s continued investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion signals a long-term commitment to systemic change. Her approach to philanthropy – characterized by trust, flexibility, and a focus on impact – is inspiring other philanthropists and challenging traditional grantmaking practices. This latest donation of $42 million is a powerful reminder of the potential for philanthropy to drive positive social change and create a more just and equitable world.

Keywords: MacKenzie Scott, philanthropy, diversity, equity, inclusion, DEI, unrestricted grants, trust-based philanthropy, racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion, Indigenous-led initiatives, social impact, systemic change, grantmaking, nonprofit organizations, charitable giving.

LSI keywords: social justice, equitable opportunities, underrepresented communities, community empowerment, philanthropic impact, inclusive leadership, organizational diversity, equitable access, social obligation.