Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott announced on Tuesday that she would be donating a whopping $640 million to over 360 organizations as part of her ongoing commitment to support those in need. Among the recipients are three Oregon nonprofits and one Southwest Washington organization, including Raphael House of Portland, Familias en Accion, Jackson Street Youth Services, and Council for the Homeless.
What sets Scott’s philanthropy apart is that the grants come with no strings attached, allowing the organizations the freedom to use the funds as they see fit to further their missions. This generosity comes after more than 6,000 organizations applied for funding through an open call managed by Lever for Change.
Initially, Scott had planned to give out $250 million in $1 million grants, but she decided to expand the number of recipients and award amount based on the exceptional work of the organizations. The recipients were specifically acknowledged for their dedication to advancing the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means.
Since announcing her decision to give away her fortune following her divorce from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Scott has now donated a total of $16 billion, including $2.1 billion in contributions made last year. This latest round of funding further underscores Scott’s commitment to making a positive impact in communities across the country.
The news of these generous donations showcases the incredible impact that philanthropic efforts can have on those in need, and the organizations receiving the funding are undoubtedly grateful for the support. The ongoing work of MacKenzie Scott continues to serve as an inspiration to others looking to make a difference and create positive change in the world.
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