Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made headlines by donating $640 million of her fortune to several nonprofit organizations. This generous act is part of her ongoing commitment to giving back to society, with Scott previously donating billions to various causes. What sets this latest round of donations apart is Scott’s decision to set up an open call for nonprofits to apply directly for funding through her organization, Yield Giving, a departure from the previous method of quiet research and discreetly contacting deserving organizations.
The open call attracted over 6,000 applicants, from which 361 organizations were selected based on their impactful work in advancing opportunities for marginalized communities. Originally planning to grant $1 million to 250 organizations, Yield Giving expanded the awardee pool and the amount given due to the impressive applications received. Scott, who is the fourth-richest woman in the world with a net worth of around $35 billion, has committed to donating the majority of her wealth to various causes since signing the Giving Pledge in 2019 after her divorce from Jeff Bezos. By focusing on causes related to education, the arts, public health, and diversity, Scott continues to make a positive impact on communities across the country.