In a remarkable display of generosity that's reshaping philanthropy, MacKenzie Scott has donated an unprecedented $7.1 billion to nonprofit organizations in 2025, marking her most significant annual contribution to date. The novelist and early Amazon contributor continues to demonstrate that extraordinary wealth can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.

Since beginning her philanthropic journey in 2019, Scott has now given away more than $26 billion, supporting causes and organizations that are making real differences in people's lives. Her approach to giving is as refreshing as it is impactful—she provides unrestricted grants, allowing organizations to use funds where they're needed most, rather than dictating specific terms.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Scott's philanthropy is her commitment to historically Black colleges and universities. In 2025 alone, she donated over $700 million to HBCUs, building on a $500 million contribution in 2020. Her total support for Black higher education institutions now exceeds $1.2 billion—a transformative investment in educational opportunity and equity.

The crown jewel of these donations was an $80 million gift to Howard University, representing one of the largest single donations in the institution's 158-year history. This contribution will create opportunities for countless students and strengthen an institution that has been a pillar of educational excellence for generations.

Scott's giving philosophy reflects a deep understanding of what organizations truly need to thrive. By providing unrestricted funds, she empowers universities and nonprofits to address their most pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities without bureaucratic constraints. This trust-based approach is revolutionizing how major philanthropy operates.

The timing of Scott's donations makes them even more meaningful. While some corporations have stepped back from diversity and equity initiatives, Scott has doubled down on her commitment to supporting underserved communities and institutions. Her actions demonstrate that investing in diversity and inclusion isn't just morally right—it's an investment in our collective future.

Scott's philanthropic vision has been deeply influenced by her mentor, the legendary author and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, who passed away in 2019. The two met at Princeton University, where Morrison served as Scott's senior thesis advisor and helped launch her writing career. In a 2017 interview, Scott praised Morrison as "a gifted and devoted teacher" who exemplified "a life of passionate devotion to more than one calling."

This mentorship clearly shaped Scott's own commitment to multiple callings—as both an accomplished novelist and a transformative philanthropist. Many recipients of her donations have paid tribute to Morrison's legacy, recognizing how her influence continues to ripple through Scott's world-changing generosity.

To fund her extraordinary giving, Scott sold approximately $13 billion worth of Amazon shares in 2025, reducing her stake in the company by nearly half. This strategic decision reflects her conviction that resources should flow to where they can create the most positive impact right now.

MacKenzie Scott's philanthropy offers a hopeful vision of how wealth can serve humanity. Her giving creates opportunities, transforms institutions, and reminds us that generosity, when practiced with wisdom and commitment, can change the world.