Mackenzie Scott makes historic $40M donation to Black heritage
*We LOVE a good news story and this is one of ’em. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos‘ ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, has donated $40 million to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. This is the largest single gift in the fund’s history. It doubles the $20 million she gave to the program in 2021.
The Action Fund protects African American landmarks across the United States. It supports the preservation of homes, churches, museums, and sites tied to Black culture and history.
Donation arrives during attacks on DEI initiatives
This donation comes at a time when many DEI programs are under fire. Some politicians, including those aligned with Donald Trump, are pushing to defund programs they say promote “distorted narratives.”
In response, Scott’s gift sends a strong message. Brent Leggs, executive director of the fund, said the donation will leave “an enduring mark” on American history. He praised her for her far-reaching vision.
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How the $40 million will be used
The Action Fund is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since its launch in 2017, it has raised nearly $200 million. It has supported more than 378 preservation projects so far.
One of those includes the home of jazz legends John and Alice Coltrane in Dix Hills, New York. Their son, Ravi Coltrane, said the donation will help save “incredible African American homes.”
Demand for funding continues to grow
The fund is facing enormous demand. It has received over $1.2 billion in grant requests. Yet, fewer than 2% of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places reflect Black history.
Carol Quillen, CEO of the National Trust, called the donation a game-changer. She said it highlights the impact of preserving overlooked stories in American history.
MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropy reshapes giving
Scott is one of the world’s richest women. She received $38 billion in her 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Her current net worth is estimated at $41.2 billion.
She signed the Giving Pledge that same year. Through her foundation, Yield Giving, she has donated more than $19 billion since 2019. Her focus is on racial equity, education, and community support.
Other major gifts from Scott in October
Scott has continued her fast-paced giving this month. Other donations include:
- $63 million to Morgan State University, an HBCU
- $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit supporting low-income students
Her grants are often unrestricted. That gives organizations the freedom to spend where it’s needed most. Her team also skips long applications, focusing instead on trust and speed.
Public praises Scott’s bold investment in Black culture
Reaction to Scott’s donation has been widely positive. On X (formerly Twitter), users praised her for supporting Black heritage during a time of political pushback.
“I love this woman. She inspired me to think differently about money and reimagine bigger in donations. #MackenzieScott”
“GREAT: MacKenzie Scott Gives $40 Million to Help Preserve Black History… She is charting a great course!”
News outlets like Fortune and The Cut called the gift both symbolic and powerful. As of now, no major backlash has been reported.
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