Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott announced a remarkable $7.1 billion in donations to various nonprofit organizations in March 2025. This latest contribution brings her total charitable giving to approximately $26.3 billion since she committed to donating the majority of her wealth following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019.
Scott’s approach to philanthropy is distinctive. Unlike many major donors, she has opted for large, unrestricted gifts without requiring grant applications or progress reports from recipients. This has allowed her to focus on several key areas, including education and climate change, while primarily supporting organizations in the United States.
Focused Donations in Education and Climate Change
In her 2025 giving, Scott emphasized support for colleges and universities, particularly historically Black colleges and tribal institutions, as well as community colleges. Notably, she allocated at least $783 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and made significant contributions to scholarship funds and tribal colleges.
Scott’s commitment to environmental causes also saw a notable increase this year. Among her major gifts, the largest—amounting to $90 million—was awarded to the nonprofit Forests, People, Climate, which is dedicated to combating tropical deforestation. According to research from Panorama Global, only 9.4% of Scott’s donations in 2024 were directed toward environmental organizations, but her focus appears to be shifting.
Gabrielle Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of Panorama Global, remarked, “What we’re now seeing is different years have different focus areas. Last year, there was a really big economic security focus. This year, I really see education and climate.”
Scott’s Wealth and Giving Philosophy
Despite her extensive giving, Scott’s fortune has remained substantial. When she began detailing her donations in 2020, her wealth was estimated at around $36 billion. Today, it is about $33 billion, reflecting the growth of her assets even while she has distributed billions.
Initially, Scott advised grantees not to expect recurring donations, but she has since made additional contributions to some organizations, often exceeding her original gifts. For example, the nonprofit CAMFED, which focuses on girls’ education in Africa, received four donations from Scott, including a record $60 million in 2025.
The unrestricted nature of her grants allows nonprofits the flexibility to allocate funds as they see fit. This approach is relatively rare among major donors, who frequently impose conditions on their contributions. Research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy suggests that concerns about potential misuse of Scott’s funds have not materialized, in part due to her team’s thorough vetting process of recipient organizations.
Scott’s giving model has enabled nonprofits to adapt to changing circumstances, innovate, and invest in essential infrastructure. For instance, after funding cuts from the U.S. Agency for International Development during the Trump administration, the nonprofit Village Enterprise utilized a grant from Scott in 2023 to maintain critical antipoverty initiatives.
As Scott continues her philanthropic journey, she remains focused on highlighting the contributions of others rather than drawing attention to her own. Fitzgerald notes that Scott consistently emphasizes the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders in her writings, stating, “She’s very different from many other philanthropists who are often the center of the story of their gift.”
Through her substantial and strategic donations, MacKenzie Scott is making a significant impact on education and climate initiatives, providing crucial support to organizations that align with her vision for a better future.
