If you thought your holiday donations made an impact, wait until you hear about MacKenzie Scott. Since her high-profile divorce from Jeff Bezos six years ago, she’s been on a philanthropic mission like no other—giving away a staggering $19 billion to more than 2,000 nonprofits. And according to a new study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, the results have been nothing short of transformational.
So, where has all that money gone? Unlike some billionaires who set up foundations with strings attached, Scott’s donations are unrestricted—meaning the organizations can use the money however they see fit. This might sound like a risky move, but the numbers prove otherwise. The study found that two years after receiving a grant from Scott, nonprofits had twice as much in financial reserves as similar organizations. And 86% of nonprofit leaders reported that the funds significantly strengthened their long-term financial sustainability.
With this financial boost, organizations have been able to hire more staff, upgrade equipment, expand outreach programs, and most importantly—focus on their mission rather than scrambling for funding. From education to healthcare, social justice to climate change, Scott’s giving spans a wide range of causes. But the one common factor? Trust. She believes in empowering these organizations to do what they do best, rather than dictating how they spend the money.
In her own words: “I needn’t ask those I care about what to say to them, or what to do for them. I can share what I have with them to stand behind them as they speak and act for themselves.”
Scott’s approach is proving to be a model for effective and meaningful philanthropy—and hopefully, more billionaires take notes.
👉 Want to see the impact for yourself?
