MacKenzie Scott donates $19 billion to charities globally

MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated $19 billion of her estimated $32 billion fortune to over 2,450 nonprofit organizations since her 2019 divorce. Her philanthropic efforts, characterized by 'unrestricted' donations, have significantly impacted various sectors, including arts, education, and public health, as highlighted by a recent study from the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Scott received a 4% stake in Amazon as part of the divorce settlement, which equated to approximately $38 billion in shares. She pledged to give away at least half of her wealth and emphasized a commitment to supporting underrepresented communities. Her donations have been described as transformative for recipient organizations, enabling them to expand their services and better compensate staff. Scott's approach to philanthropy has been distinguished by her belief in allowing nonprofits full control over the funds they receive.