World
MacKenzie Scott Donated $7 Billion in 2025, Outpacing All Other Major Philanthropists
MacKenzie Scott’s 2025 charitable giving reached approximately $7 billion, about one‑third of the $19.2 billion distributed through major gifts that year, according to data shared with Fortune by Giving USA and Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The total brings her five‑year cumulative donations to $26.2 billion, while her net worth remains substantial. In 2025, Scott’s contribution far exceeded those of other prominent donors: Michael Bloomberg gave $4.3 billion, Bill Gates $3.7 billion, Warren Buffett $1.34 billion, and Susan and Michael Dell together gave close to $1 billion. Her gifts were spread across thousands of organizations rather than concentrated in a few high‑profile projects.
American charitable giving totaled $617.2 billion in 2025, a 5.7% increase from the previous year, according to Giving USA and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Recipients included religious institutions, human services, education, healthcare, international affairs, and arts and culture groups. Gabe Cooper, vice chair of the Giving USA Foundation, said the year was positive for charitable giving, with most categories achieving solid or better growth.
Despite her large contributions, Scott was absent from the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual list of the 50 biggest donors. The publication noted that she and her representatives declined to provide information about her donations, and some contributions may have gone into donor‑advised funds, complicating inclusion on the list.
Scott has long maintained a private approach to philanthropy, rarely publicizing individual gifts. She has explained that her giving philosophy was shaped by early experiences of kindness, such as a roommate’s $1,000 gift and a dentist’s free treatment, which highlighted the broader impact of generosity.
In a December 9 essay, she reflected on how acts of kindness can produce ripple effects that are difficult to measure, citing research that links generosity to pleasure‑related brain activity and improved health and happiness.
Scott’s large‑scale philanthropy accelerated after her 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, when she received a substantial holding of Amazon shares. She later signed the Giving Pledge, committing to give away most of her fortune. By 2025, her estimated net worth was still close to $37 billion, although her remaining assets were affected by changes in Amazon’s share price. Her former husband Bezos has also made charitable contributions, but Scott’s lifetime giving has been considerably larger relative to his.
Frequently asked questions
How much did MacKenzie Scott donate in 2025?
Approximately $7 billion.
Who were the other major donors in 2025?
Michael Bloomberg ($4.3 billion), Bill Gates ($3.7 billion), Warren Buffett ($1.34 billion), and Susan and Michael Dell together ($1 billion).
What was the total American charitable giving in 2025?
$617.2 billion.