MacKenzie Scott, through her philanthropy Yield Giving, announced the distribution of $640 million in grants to 361 organizations following an open call process. The grants range from $1 million to $2 million each and are aimed at supporting nonprofits that serve individuals and families in need, as well as those that have faced discrimination and systemic obstacles. Over 6,000 organizations applied for the grants, with the initial plan to award 250 organizations $1 million each. However, the amounts and number of recipients were increased during the process.
Scott expressed her gratitude to Lever for Change and the evaluation and implementation teams for their role in creating a pathway to support communities in need. The open call process was managed by Lever for Change, with applicants being rated by their peers, reviewed by an external panel, and subject to a final round of due diligence before winners were selected. The recipients of the grants represent 38 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with 279 organizations receiving $2 million each and 82 organizations receiving $1 million each.
Among the recipients in Washington state are organizations such as Open Arms Perinatal Services, Council for the Homeless, and Technology Access Foundation, each of which received $2 million in funding. Scott’s philanthropic efforts have totaled $17.3 billion in charitable donations through Yield Giving, with her current net worth estimated at $35.6 billion. The open call grants mark a shift in Scott’s previous method of giving, which involved more private research and surprise donations to organizations.
Prize philanthropy, as demonstrated by Scott’s open call process, has the benefit of bringing attention to grassroots organizations that may not have access to traditional sources of funding. This approach has been praised by experts in the field, such as Renee Karibi-Whyte, senior vice president of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Scott’s transparency in sharing the recipients and amounts of funding given aligns with her goal of supporting community-focused nonprofits and increasing access to essential resources in underserved communities.
The open call process has allowed for a more inclusive and transparent way of distributing philanthropic funds, bringing attention to a diverse range of organizations and causes. The grants awarded to organizations across the United States will support efforts to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, education, and racial inequality. Scott’s approach to giving reflects a commitment to supporting community-led initiatives and uplifting underrepresented populations.
Overall, MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic efforts through Yield Giving have made a significant impact on a wide range of organizations serving marginalized communities. By increasing transparency and adopting a more open and inclusive method of awarding grants, Scott is able to support a greater number of organizations working to address systemic challenges and improve access to resources for those in need.
