MacKenzie Scott has confirmed her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through significant philanthropic efforts. Her latest contribution includes a remarkable $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit focused on enhancing college access for low-income and predominantly non-white students. This donation represents the largest gift in the organization’s 45-year history.
Supporting Underrepresented Communities
Scott’s dedication to DEI is further exemplified by her support for various educational institutions and scholarship programs. Among her recent contributions are substantial donations to Native Forward, the primary scholarship provider for Native students in the U.S. This financial support underlines her ongoing commitment to racial equity and educational funds aimed at disadvantaged communities.
- $42 million donation: 10,000 Degrees, Bay Area nonprofit.
- $70 million contribution: UNCF for HBCU endowments.
- Focus on: First-generation and low-income students, many of whom are students of color.
Major Gifts and Their Impact
Scott’s generous funding is part of her broader strategy to create opportunity pipelines for underrepresented learners. Her $70 million donation to UNCF was allocated to strengthen endowments across 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This initiative aims to establish sustainable revenue streams, addressing funding disparities compared to predominantly white institutions.
Trust-Based Philanthropy Model
Scott’s philanthropy is characterized by speed, scale, and minimal restrictions. Her approach allows grantees to utilize funds where they are most needed. In 2024, she established an open-call process via Yield Giving, while maintaining the element of surprise in her grants.
Scott’s Philanthropic Journey
Over the past five years, MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $19 billion to thousands of organizations, with approximately $2 billion allocated in 2024 alone. The focus areas include economic security, housing, education, and health care. Her ongoing support highlights her commitment to funding successful, equity-oriented organizations.
A Vision for Enhanced Impact
Scott aims to expand her giving strategies further by incorporating mission-aligned investments that align with her philanthropic goals. Her focus on trust-based funding and repeat contributions to high-performing grantees is likely to remain a key aspect of her charitable efforts.
In summary, MacKenzie Scott’s recent actions reaffirm her substantial commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, particularly for underserved communities across the United States.
