MacKenzie Scott is continuing her extraordinary philanthropic streak, having distributed another $700 million to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and education-focused nonprofits supporting students of color - in just the past few months.
The 55-year-old author and philanthropist (who snagged a cool $38 billion from her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos) has now become one of the most significant private supporters of HBCUs in US history, earning praise, and even a nickname, from higher education leaders across the country.
Scott’s latest round of giving, which began in late September, includes donations to at least 15 HBCUs as well as organizations dedicated to expanding college access for students of color.
Her contributions have been so impactful that United Negro College Fund President and CEO Michael Lomax dubbed her “Saint MacKenzie Scott”, following a $70 million gift to his organization from Scott earlier this year, per the Daily Mail.
Calling her approach “transformational”, Lomax said: “She is rewriting the book on philanthropy, not just in this country, but in the world.”
On her website, Yield Giving, Scott wrote: "Votes are not the only way to show what we'd like to see more of in our societies. There are many ways to influence how we move through the world and where we land."
Credit: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images.
Major Gifts Delivered to HBCUs Across the Country
Among Scott’s most recent donations is a $63 million gift to Prairie View A&M University in Texas, a $50 million donation to Bowie State University in Maryland, and $19 million to Philander Smith University in Arkansas.
Bowie State President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux said the timing of the donation could not be more meaningful, describing Scott’s gift as arriving “at a pivotal moment in our 160-year story” and noting that it will expand access, enrich research programs, and strengthen the institution for future generations.
Scott’s pattern of giving gained momentum in mid-October with a $63 million unrestricted gift to Morgan State University, marking the largest donation in the school’s history, and her second major gift to the institution. She previously delivered $40 million to Morgan State in 2020.
Historic Contributions Continue at Record Pace
Other institutions have also seen unprecedented support. Norfolk State University received $50 million, which leaders said would “catapult” the school to new heights. Howard University reported an $80 million gift from Scott in November, the largest known single donation in her ongoing philanthropy wave.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore received $38 million (also a record) and school leaders have said a substantial portion will be used to strengthen the endowment. Additional funds will support scholarships, research opportunities, and new programs, including a forthcoming veterinary school scheduled to open in 2027.
Scott further gave away $42 million to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, five years after previously donating $25 million to the institution, according to HBCU Gameday.
Credit: Charley Gallay / Getty Images.
Wider Impact Beyond HBCUs
Scott’s latest giving cycle stretches beyond colleges and universities. She recently donated $10 million to the George M. Pullman Educational Fund and $42 million to the nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, which supports low-income students in California.
Meanwhile, The Native Forward Scholars Fund, the nation’s largest scholarship provider for Native American students, announced a $50 million unrestricted gift from Scott this fall, the largest private donation ever made to a Native-led organization.
"This unrestricted gift allows us to meet Native students where they are, respond to their most pressing needs and ensure they not only enroll, but thrive and graduate," said Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, via Forbes.
A Continuing Commitment to Large-Scale Philanthropy
With an estimated net worth of more than $33 billion, most of which originated from her 2019 divorce settlement with Bezos, Scott has pledged to give away at least half of her wealth through The Giving Pledge. Her approach emphasizes speed, impact, and trust, offering unrestricted funding to institutions she believes can create lasting change.
As Scott continues her unprecedented giving spree, her donations are reshaping opportunities for students of color nationwide and redefining what modern philanthropy looks like.