Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott Donates $640 Million to Nonprofits in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota
ICARO Media Group
This generous donation is part of Scott's commitment to give away the majority of her wealth to support the communities that have contributed to her success.
According to Scott's website, Yield Giving has already donated $17.3 billion to over 2,300 different nonprofits. In a 2020 statement on her website, Scott expressed her desire to give back to society and address the inequalities that exist. She acknowledged that personal wealth is a product of collective effort and societal structures that both offer opportunities and create obstacles for individuals.
Scott emphasized that the focus should be on the community organizations receiving the funding rather than on herself. With 6,000 applications received, Yield Giving selected 361 organizations nationwide to receive funding, including 11 in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Gender Justice, a nonprofit working throughout all three states, was awarded $2 million to support their efforts in advancing gender equity through the law. OutFront Minnesota, an organization advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, also received $2 million. Their work combines advocacy, education, and supportive services to combat sexual and gender-based violence and societal inequities.
WellShare International, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was granted $2 million to promote access to healthcare and public health infrastructure for all races, ethnicities, and neighborhoods. Appetite For Change, another Minneapolis-based group, aims to use food as a changemaker in society, helping communities grow healthier and more prosperous. They were also awarded $2 million.
ISAIAH, headquartered in Minneapolis, focuses on building a diverse democracy, establishing a strong economy with equal opportunities, and implementing equitable climate policies. They received $2 million. Dream of Wild Health, operating out of the Twin Cities, is dedicated to restoring the health and well-being of Indigenous communities through traditional foods, medicine, and culture. They were granted $1 million.
CAPI USA, an organization providing support for immigrants and refugees in Hennepin County, Minnesota, received $2 million. This funding will help promote financial inclusion, workforce development, and social equality. Build Wealth Minnesota, based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, aims to strengthen communities by helping families build social and economic wealth through financial products and services. They also received $2 million.
In the neighboring state of North Dakota, Youthworks, which focuses on providing shelter and development opportunities for youth, received $1 million. On the Standing Rock Reservation, SAGE Development Authority was granted $2 million to support renewable and sustainable energy practices. Additionally, the National Indian Youth Leadership Project, operating in South Dakota and New Mexico, received $2 million to assist Indigenous youth in creating healthy lifestyles, achieving goals, connecting with nature, and developing leadership skills.
MacKenzie Scott's generosity stems from her belief that those who have experienced inequality are best equipped to design solutions. She encourages others to use their time, voice, or resources to support the thousands of organizations across the country doing remarkable work.
Scott, who was previously married to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, holds a 4% stake in the company. Her donations reflect her commitment to addressing societal issues and uplifting communities across the nation.