In just six years since her high-profile divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott has redefined what it means to give. The author and philanthropist has donated more than $19 billion to over 2,000 organizations—often with no strings attached. Her approach is transforming philanthropy by providing unrestricted funds that nonprofits say have had overwhelmingly positive impacts.
Scott, who received a $36 billion settlement in 2019, has focused her energy on raising her four children and giving with purpose. Last year alone, she gifted $640 million to 361 community-led groups. She’s also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, promising to donate the majority of her wealth. Her mission is clear: to keep giving until, as she puts it, “the safe is empty.”