Key Takeaways
- MacKenzie Scott reduced her Amazon stake by 42%, now holding shares worth $12.6 billion.
- She has donated $19 billion to over 2,000 nonprofits in the last five years.
- Her philanthropic focus remains on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has significantly reduced her stake in the e-commerce giant by nearly 42%. Her current Amazon holdings are valued at approximately $12.6 billion, according to a recent SEC filing.
Substantial Reduction in Amazon Shares
Scott now holds about 81.1 million Amazon shares, a sharp decline of 58 million shares from the previous year. This reduction comes despite Amazon’s stock value more than doubling since her 2019 divorce from Bezos.
The SEC filing from September 30 doesn’t specify whether the decreased stake resulted from direct sales, charitable donations, or a combination of both. Under their divorce agreement, Bezos maintains voting rights over Scott’s Amazon shares and must report them annually.
Philanthropic Commitment and Net Worth
Scott’s current estimated net worth stands at roughly $32 billion. After receiving approximately 4% of Amazon’s stock in the divorce settlement, she committed to giving away most of her wealth.
Over the past five years, she has distributed about $19 billion to more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations. Her median gift size averages around $5 million per organization.
Focus on Equity and Education
Scott’s philanthropy heavily emphasizes institutions promoting equity and access. One notable contribution includes a $42 million grant to 10,000 Degrees, a Bay Area nonprofit supporting low-income and primarily non-white students in pursuing higher education.
According to Fortune, this followed a $70 million donation to historically Black colleges and universities through the United Negro College Fund. This funding supports a program launched in 2021 to strengthen financial stability for minority-serving institutions.
Diverse Charitable Contributions
Scott’s giving spans multiple causes and organizations:
- $84 million to the Girl Scouts
- $20 million to Vermont’s Champlain Housing Trust
- $436 million for Habitat for Humanity
- $275 million for Planned Parenthood
She had previously donated $10 million to the UNCF in 2020.
Through her consistent and substantial philanthropic efforts, Scott continues to transform large-scale giving by directing her Amazon wealth toward initiatives creating lasting social impact.
