SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, allocating $640 million to 361 community-led nonprofit groups, with a significant focus on supporting LGBTQ communities. The philanthropic endeavor, announced Tuesday, reflects a substantial increase from the initial commitment of $250 million made during an open call for nonprofit applications managed by Yield Giving and Lever for Change.
Scott’s philanthropic approach diverges from traditional models, opting to distribute substantial sums among numerous smaller organizations rather than concentrating funds in a few select recipients. The selected nonprofits, chosen through a rigorous peer review process, include advocates for LGBTQ rights such as EDGE New Jersey, Carolinas CARE Partnership, and Gender Justice.
Recipients of Scott’s grants are expressing profound appreciation for the transformative impact of the donations. OutFront Minnesota, recipient of a $2 million grant, intends to utilize the funds to expand outreach to rural communities and bolster anti-violence programs aimed at supporting LGBTQ individuals. Similarly, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) receives $1 million to bolster its legal advocacy efforts for LGBTQ rights on a national scale.
Out of 6,353 applicants, Sakhi for South Asian Women was also among the 4% of organizations to receive $2 million from Yield Giving.
Sakhi Executive Director Kavita Mehra in a statement said “this gift is a testament to the legacy of leaders who have built Sakhi over the last 35 years, and our incredible team, for the transformative impact they make in the community each day.”
Scott’s unprecedented giving, totaling $16.5 billion since her divorce from Jeff Bezos, signals a significant shift in philanthropy toward broader, community-led initiatives. The open call attracted over 6,000 applicants, underscoring the pressing need for support among grassroots organizations championing social causes.
