Billionaire MacKenzie Scott Donates $640 Million to Nonprofits Through Open Call Initiative

Billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Amazon, MacKenzie Scott, has made a substantial contribution once again by donating $640 million to numerous nonprofit organizations.

Scott’s latest philanthropic endeavor involved setting up an open call for nonprofits to directly apply for donations through her organization, Yield Giving. This approach differed from her previous method of conducting ‘quiet research’ to identify deserving organizations discreetly.

The open call received over 6,000 applications, leading to the selection of 361 organizations from 38 states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. These organizations were chosen for their impactful work in supporting individuals and families facing economic challenges and systemic barriers.

Initially planning to donate $1 million to 250 organizations, Yield Giving expanded the program due to the high-quality applications. Eventually, 279 organizations received $2 million each, while 82 others were granted $1 million each.

According to Yield Giving, the chosen organizations are actively working to address disparities in education, health, economic outcomes, and other critical issues, making a positive difference in their communities.

Scott, currently ranked as the fourth-richest woman in the world, holds a net worth of approximately $35 billion. Following her divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019, she acquired a 4% stake in Amazon, significantly boosting her personal wealth.

Having committed the majority of her wealth to society, Scott’s philanthropic efforts have been commendable. In a previous round of donations, she gave over $2 billion to 360 organizations, citing her inspiration from witnessing collective goodwill and support in communities.

Some of the organizations included in the open call initiative are the ACLU of Alabama, Black Girl Ventures, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, and Ser Familia, among others.

Simrin Singh, a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News, reported on Scott’s significant contribution to nonprofit organizations.