MacKenzie Scott Invests $42M in Bay Area Nonprofit Fostering College Equity

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott Doubles Down on DEI with $42 Million Donation In a move that reinforces her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a Bay Area nonprofit organization expanding college access for low-income and largely non-white students. This significant contribution marks the largest single gift in the organization's 45-year history. According to an interview with Fortune, Scott's donation will provide unrestricted support for scholarship providers serving students of color and underrepresented communities. "This investment is a testament to MacKenzie Scott's unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for historically marginalized groups," said Dr. Alicia Johnson, President and CEO of 10,000 Degrees. Scott's philanthropic efforts have been focused on addressing systemic inequalities in education and economic empowerment. Her latest donation follows eight-figure commitments to Native student scholars and HBCU endowments through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). "MacKenzie Scott's generosity is a beacon of hope for students who face significant barriers to higher education," said Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. The $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees will support the organization's mission to provide college access and success programs for low-income students in the San Francisco Bay Area. "This gift will enable us to scale our impact and reach more students who are eager to pursue higher education," said Dr. Johnson. Scott's commitment to DEI has been a hallmark of her philanthropic efforts since her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019. Her donations have focused on addressing systemic inequalities in education, economic empowerment, and community development. "MacKenzie Scott's philanthropy is a powerful reminder that wealth can be a force for good when used to address the root causes of inequality," said Dr. Darrick Hamilton, Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. The implications of Scott's donation are far-reaching, with potential benefits extending beyond the students directly impacted by her generosity. "By investing in organizations like 10,000 Degrees, MacKenzie Scott is helping to create a more equitable society where everyone has access to opportunities and resources," said Dr. Hamilton. As Scott continues to prioritize DEI in her philanthropic efforts, her commitment serves as a model for other high-net-worth individuals looking to make a meaningful impact on society. "MacKenzie Scott's leadership in this area is inspiring others to follow suit and invest in the future of historically marginalized communities," said Dr. Johnson. With this latest donation, Scott has solidified her position as one of the leading philanthropists in the country, using her wealth to drive positive change and address systemic inequalities. As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, Scott's commitment to DEI serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to create a more just and equitable society. Background: MacKenzie Scott is a billionaire philanthropist who has donated over $12 billion since her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019. Her donations have focused on addressing systemic inequalities in education, economic empowerment, and community development. 10,000 Degrees is a Bay Area nonprofit organization that provides college access and success programs for low-income students. The organization has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 45 years. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Darrick Hamilton, Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, noted that Scott's commitment to DEI is a powerful reminder that wealth can be a force for good when used to address the root causes of inequality. "MacKenzie Scott's philanthropy is a testament to her understanding of the interconnectedness of social justice issues," said Dr. Hamilton. Dr. Alicia Johnson, President and CEO of 10,000 Degrees, emphasized the significance of Scott's donation in supporting the organization's mission. "This gift will enable us to scale our impact and reach more students who are eager to pursue higher education," said Dr. Johnson. Current Status: MacKenzie Scott's $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees marks a significant milestone in her commitment to DEI. As she continues to prioritize this issue in her philanthropic efforts, her leadership serves as a model for others seeking to create positive change and address systemic inequalities. Next Developments: As Scott continues to prioritize DEI in her philanthropic efforts, it is likely that she will continue to invest in organizations like 10,000 Degrees. Her commitment serves as a reminder of the power of wealth to drive positive change and address systemic inequalities. *Reporting by Fortune.*