MacKenzie Scott has made a transformative donation of $45 million to The Trevor Project, marking the largest gift in the nonprofit’s history. This contribution comes at a critical time for the organization, which has faced significant internal challenges, including management changes and funding cuts. The donation will bolster The Trevor Project’s mission to provide essential support to LGBTQ+ youth through its crisis hotline and various services.
Scott’s donation was not listed among the contributions she disclosed on her website in December 2025. This revelation adds to her reputation as one of the most prominent individual philanthropists, known for her substantial, unrestricted gifts to organizations focused on social equity and justice. Previously, Scott donated $6 million to The Trevor Project in 2020, reinforcing her ongoing commitment to the cause.
Funding Challenges and Organizational Growth
The Trevor Project has been navigating a tumultuous period, having lost approximately $25 million in funding. Despite these setbacks, the organization continues to reach a significant number of young people annually. According to Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, the organization independently operates a hotline that serves around 250,000 LGBTQ+ youth each year and has recently expanded its reach through the 988 Press 3 option, which is tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In a statement regarding Scott’s donation, Black expressed disbelief and gratitude: “I literally could not believe it and it took some time. I actually gasped.” This financial boost is particularly welcome as The Trevor Project’s budget has expanded dramatically, from around $4 million in 2016 to over $83 million in 2023, according to public tax records.
The organization has faced a series of leadership changes, including the removal of its CEO in 2022 and subsequent layoffs. Despite these challenges, Black noted that the project’s budget for 2026 is projected at $47 million, emphasizing a renewed focus on mindful and intentional growth.
Long-Term Impact and Philanthropic Strategies
Scott’s recent gift is viewed as a long-term investment in The Trevor Project’s sustainability. Black highlighted that Scott’s team emphasized the intention behind the donation: “This gift was made for long-term impact.” The organization plans to take a measured approach in deciding how to allocate the new funds, aiming to ensure they support lasting change.
Financial management expert Thad Calabrese from New York University acknowledged that rapid growth can lead to financial difficulties for nonprofits. He stated, “Nonprofits that grow very quickly often run into financial problems.” Calabrese pointed out that instability in federal funding has further complicated the financial landscape for many organizations.
Despite the challenges, research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy suggests that concerns about mismanagement of Scott’s funds are largely unfounded. Elisha Smith Arrillaga, vice president of research at the center, noted that Scott’s team conducts rigorous vetting of potential recipients. “People make all different kinds of investments because they really believe in the outcomes that organization can make,” she said.
In her essay announcing her 2025 donations, Scott reflected on the underestimated potential of charitable contributions, stating, “The potential of peaceful, non-transactional contribution has long been underestimated.” She encouraged a reevaluation of perceived liabilities in nonprofit work as potential assets.
Black characterized Scott’s gift as a “powerful validation” of The Trevor Project’s mission and impact, declaring, “We’re calling this our turnaround story.” As the organization moves forward, it remains committed to supporting LGBTQ+ youth during a time of unprecedented challenges.
