MacKenzie Scott's $19 Billion in Unrestricted Donations Reshapes Nonprofits

The philanthropist's transformative giving strategy has empowered over 2,000 organizations to expand their missions and improve community impact.

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, has donated $19 billion to more than 2,450 nonprofits since 2019, using a no-strings-attached approach.
Her unrestricted gifts, averaging $5 million each, have allowed organizations to allocate funds as needed, enhancing financial stability and operational capacity.
Recipients have used the funds to expand services, improve staff compensation, and invest in infrastructure, with notable examples including Kaboom! and the South Texas Food Bank.
A study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that 90% of grantees reported strengthened financial positions and increased community impact due to Scott's donations.
Scott's giving model emphasizes trust in nonprofit leaders, enabling them to address pressing needs and long-term goals without donor-imposed restrictions.