MacKenzie Scott has been increasing her donations to HBCUs over the past week. The ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, whose net worth is estimated to be $33 billion, donated a total of $172 million to Howard University, Virginia State University and Alcorn State University last week. The donations are the latest in a string of sizable donations made to HBCUs and nonprofits serving students of color since 2020. These efforts come as the Trump administration has slashed DEI funding and initiatives in higher education.
Most of Scott’s fortune comes from her 2019 divorce settlement, in which she received a 4% stake in Amazon. That same year, she signed the Giving Pledge and promised to donate at least half of her wealth throughout her life, according to Forbes.
Howard University received a historic $80 million unrestricted gift
Scott’s donation to Howard University is the largest single contribution in the institution’s history. The unrestricted status of the donation means Howard can use these resources as it sees fit and prioritize its own strategies to advance the university. As part of the donation, $63 million will go to Howard, and $17 million will go to the Howard University College of Medicine.
“On behalf of the entire Howard University community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. MacKenzie Scott for her extraordinary generosity and steadfast belief in Howard University’s mission, demonstrated global impact, and unparalleled legacy of educating, inspiring, and empowering generations of leaders,” Howard interim president Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a press release, according to The Dig.
Frederick shared that the donations will help support student aid, improve infrastructure and build a reserve fund for students, academia and research. Howard also noted the timing of the donation. It comes during a government shutdown that has delayed federal funding the university typically receives, including for academics and research, but also for operations at Howard University Hospital.
Virginia State University received $50 million from MacKenzie Scott
The donation, which was announced on Oct. 30, is also the largest of its kind in the university’s history. It’s also Scott’s second donation to the school. In 2020, she gave $30 million to Virginia State.
“Ms. Scott’s generosity and trust in our mission will change the trajectory of Virginia State University for generations to come,” VSU president Makola M. Abdullah said, according to Forbes. “Her investment allows us to continue to build upon our legacy of excellence and expand our reach to more students who deserve access to a world-class education.”
Alcorn State University received a $42 million unrestricted donation
Last week’s donation is also the largest Alcorn State has received in its history, on top of being unrestricted. In 2020, Scott already gave $26 million to the school.
“Today marks a historic moment for Alcorn State University as we celebrate the largest single donation in our university’s history,” Alcorn State president Tracy M. Cook said in a news release. “We are immensely grateful for Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s continued investment in Alcorn, our students, and mission to create access. I also extend my deepest gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who champion our mission every day. Your unwavering commitment and belief in Alcorn State University make milestones like this possible.”