Seattle, Washington – Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott recently announced a generous donation of $640 million to 361 small nonprofits in response to an open call for applications. This contribution by Scott’s Yield Giving organization far exceeded the initial amount pledged and reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to improving access to essential resources in communities nationwide.
Since 2019, MacKenzie Scott has been actively giving billions to various organizations selected by her team, aiming to make a significant impact without the need for an application process. The recent round of donations through the open call managed by Lever for Change marks a significant increase in both the award amount and the number of recipients, surprising many in the philanthropy sector.
The competitive nature of Scott’s open call garnered applications from over 6,353 nonprofits vying for the $1 million grants initially offered. Lever for Change, a specialized organization in running philanthropic prize awards, expanded the pool of awardees to 279, who received $2 million each, with an additional 82 organizations receiving $1 million grants.
According to Elisha Smith Arrillaga, vice president at The Center for Effective Philanthropy, the open call process presents a unique opportunity for organizations without existing connections to funders to be considered for substantial support. This approach, as highlighted by senior vice president Renee Karibi-Whyte from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, helps unearth deserving recipients who might not typically have access to traditional sources of funding.
Each awardee, carefully selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving peer scoring and external expert reviews, aligns with Yield Giving’s criteria for community-led nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the voices and opportunities of individuals and families in need. The focus on organizations with modest budgets between $1 and $5 million underscores Scott’s intention to uplift transformative entities often overlooked in the philanthropic landscape.
MacKenzie Scott’s continued philanthropic efforts, amounting to $16.5 billion in donations since her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, exemplify her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. Through the establishment of Yield Giving and a transparent database showcasing her giving history, Scott embodies a commitment to openness and collaboration in her philanthropic endeavors.
As Scott navigates the evolving landscape of philanthropy, adapting her approach to maximize impact, she remains steadfast in her goal to fulfill her commitment to giving back. The intersection of generosity, innovation, and inclusivity in her philanthropic strategy resonates with the broader mission to create lasting change and empower underrepresented communities.
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