MacKenzie Scott has donated $19 billion since divorcing Jeff Bezos, citing a commitment to equity, justice, and impactful philanthropy.
MacKenzie Scott, a well-known novelist, has given away an incredible $19 billion since her divorce from Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.
This large sum of money has been donated to various organizations, making a significant impact on many lives.
MacKenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos married for years.
MacKenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos were married for over 25 years. They met in the early 1990s, got engaged, and started Amazon together.
Their journey began with a small online bookstore, which grew into one of the biggest companies in the world.
In 2019, they decided to divorce, and MacKenzie received about 25% of their shared Amazon stock. At the time, this stock was worth around $35.6 billion.
MacKenzie Scott shares motivation behind donating $19 billion since her divorce from Jeff Bezos
After the divorce, MacKenzie made a promise to give away a large portion of her wealth.
She supports those who are often overlooked, aiming her donations at underrepresented communities and the organizations that serve them.
MacKenzie’s approach to giving is unique. She provides unrestricted funds, meaning organizations can use the money as they see fit.
Scott explained: “I needn’t ask those I care about what to say to them or what to do for them. I can share what I have with them to stand behind them as they speak and act for themselves.”
MacKenzie Scott has a clear philosophy when it comes to her philanthropy.
She believes in letting organizations determine their own needs rather than imposing restrictions.
By doing this, she trusts that they know best how to make a difference in their communities.
She has stated that she wants to stand behind those she supports, allowing them to speak and act for themselves.
Her massive donations have significantly transformed many communities.
A recent study by The Center for Effective Philanthropy found that MacKenzie’s donations have had a transformative effect.
She has given to over 2,000 organizations, and many of them have reported significant changes.
For instance, some organizations now have double the funds available compared to similar nonprofits.
This financial support has allowed them to expand their services and reach more people in need.
“Scott’s very large, unrestricted gifts–with few to no restrictions on the time in which they must be spent – have transformed recipient organizations and influenced many of the communities these organizations serve,” The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) stated.
Recipients share inspiring stories of transformation and hope.
Many organizations have shared how MacKenzie’s donations have changed their operations.
One organization used the funds to open a new clinic, providing care to 12,000 people, many of whom are homeless or living in poverty.
This clinic now offers vital services that were previously hard to access.
Another organization mentioned that the grant helped them build confidence. With MacKenzie’s support, they felt empowered to ask for more funding, not just what was available.
This shift has led to improved services and better outcomes for their clients.
The effects of MacKenzie’s donations extend beyond just finances. Staff members at several organizations reported lower stress levels and a renewed sense of purpose.
One individual shared that they were close to quitting their job due to the pressures they faced.
However, receiving the grant reminded them of the importance of their work and reignited their passion for helping others.