MacKenzie Scott has emerged as one of the world's most influential philanthropists, donating over $19 billion to more than 2,000 organizations in the six years following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Scott, who received approximately $36 billion in her 2019 divorce settlement, has revolutionized charitable giving through her approach of providing large, unrestricted donations to nonprofits. A recent study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy highlights the "overwhelmingly positive" impact of her giving strategy on recipient organizations.
The 54-year-old author and mother of four has maintained a focused commitment to supporting underserved communities and addressing systemic inequalities. In 2023, she distributed $640 million among 361 nonprofit groups, carefully selected from over 6,000 applicants. These organizations were chosen for their work in advancing opportunities for individuals and families facing economic challenges and discrimination.
Shortly after her divorce, Scott joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of her wealth. In her pledge letter, she emphasized the importance of acting swiftly on charitable impulses while maintaining a thoughtful approach to giving. "I won't wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty," she declared.
Currently ranked 68th on Forbes' billionaires list with a net worth of $28.2 billion, Scott continues to reshape philanthropy through her direct, no-strings-attached giving approach. Her donations typically allow organizations complete discretion in how they utilize the funds, marking a departure from traditional philanthropic models.
The full impact of Scott's generous giving may take decades to fully understand, according to philanthropy experts. However, early indicators suggest her approach has created immediate and substantial benefits for recipient organizations while inspiring new conversations about effective charitable giving.