MacKenzie Scott donates more than anyone since '12

MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has become one of the most prolific philanthropists in recent years. According to Forbes, she has given away an astounding $26.4 billion in just under seven years, with $7.2 billion of that total given in 2025 alone. This makes 2025 the largest single-year donation period since Forbes began tracking charitable giving in 2012.

Scott's rapid rise to the top of the giving list earned her a spot on the 2026 Forbes Iconoclast 50, an annual list that recognizes influential figures who are challenging conventional thinking across various industries. Her giving approach has been described as innovative and unconventional, with Forbes highlighting her "no strings attached" philosophy. Many of her donations are unrestricted, allowing recipients to allocate the funds to the areas where they are most needed.

Born from her divorce settlement with Bezos, Scott's fortune has grown significantly. She received a 4% stake in Amazon as part of the divorce agreement and has since disposed of more than 75% of the Amazon shares she inherited. Her philanthropic efforts have spanned a wide range of recipients, including 2,500 organizations across the globe.

One of the most notable areas of Scott's giving has been historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). In a three-month period in late 2025, Forbes reported that she gave at least $760 million to 18 HBCUs, including significant donations to Howard University ($80 million), Morgan State University ($63 million), and Prairie View A&M University ($63 million). These gifts represent some of the largest private contributions in the histories of these institutions.

Scott's approach to philanthropy has set her apart from other donors. By providing unrestricted funding, she enables universities and nonprofits to determine the best use of the money, often focusing on scholarships, facilities, research, student support, and endowments. This no-strings-attached method aligns with her belief that organizations operating directly in communities are best positioned to understand their needs and allocate resources effectively.