Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott announced a remarkable donation of $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, reflecting a significant increase in her charitable contributions compared to previous years. In an essay published on her website, Scott emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year.”
Scott’s recent giving surpasses her earlier donations of $2.6 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion in 2023. Since beginning her philanthropic journey in 2019, she has donated a total of $26.3 billion. Her donations have drawn attention due to their unrestricted nature, allowing recipient organizations to use the funds as they see fit, often significantly impacting their operational budgets.
Scott’s Impact on Education and Equity
According to research by Marybeth Gasman, a professor at Rutgers University, over a dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) received $783 million from Scott in 2025 alone. Gasman described Scott as “an equity machine,” particularly valuable during a time when educational equity initiatives face increasing challenges. This year’s contributions to HBCUs are reported to be larger than those made in 2020.
While some institutions that previously benefitted from Scott’s philanthropy did not receive funding this time, several first-time recipients were included. Gasman has tracked a total of $1.35 billion in donations from Scott to HBCUs since 2020. Notably, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) received $70 million, which will support a collective endowment for participating HBCUs. Additionally, Scott allocated $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund, which offers scholarships to Native American students.
Unlike many traditional foundations, which often require detailed applications and progress reports from grantees, Scott does not impose such requirements. Research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy in 2023 indicated that recipients of Scott’s funding have generally managed the financial support well, without struggles stemming from a lack of oversight.
Personal Connection and Future Directions
One of the beneficiaries of Scott’s generosity, Kim Mazzuca, CEO of the nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, expressed her astonishment at receiving a $42 million donation earlier this year. Mazzuca described her emotional response, noting that the gift is nearly double the organization’s annual budget, allowing them to expand their reach and invest in new tools to support low-income students.
Scott’s commitment reflects her belief in empowering individuals to recognize their potential. Mazzuca highlighted that Scott’s donations serve as a tool for change, drawing on a Hopi prophecy that resonates with her organization’s mission. Scott has also emphasized her intention to move more of her wealth into “mission-aligned” investments, seeking to support initiatives that create social impact rather than focusing solely on financial returns.
In her 2025 essay, Scott encouraged collective action, stating, “There are many ways to influence how we move through the world, and where we land.” Her focus on fostering community connections and long-term impact underscores her philanthropic philosophy, which prioritizes transformative giving.
As Scott continues to redefine the landscape of philanthropy, her latest contributions signal a powerful commitment to addressing inequality and supporting communities in need.
