MacKenzie Scott has donated more than $19 billion—but it’s barely made a dent in her net worth because of the power of Amazon shares
MacKenzie Scott In 2025, he became one of the biggest names in philanthropy. Billionaire novelist, philanthropist and ex-wife Amazon founder Jeff Bezos donated hundreds of millions of dollars in the last few months alone – but since 2020 it has donated an eye-popping $19.25 billion.
Scott achieved much of his wealth through his connection with Bezos. (They divorced in 2019.) During his marriage played a key role in the founding and early operations of Amazon, including assisting with business plans and contracts. After their divorce he took roughly 4% Shares in Amazon amounted to approximately 139 million shares at the time.
Since then, he reduced its stake by approximately 42%It is selling or donating 58 million shares worth about $12.6 billion by the end of 2025. still worth more than $35 billion today, despite having donated $19.25 billion through his philanthropic platform. YieldingThe organization he founded in 2022. DEI has donated to thousands of organizations focusing on issues like education, disaster recovery and more.
Although Scott continues to sell his Amazon shares, his wealth continues to grow. He has added $923 million to his net worth since the beginning of the year. Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Since November 2020, Amazon share prices have increased by more than 45%.
Bezos did the following in 2020: largest charitable donation of the year$10 billion gift for launch Bezos World Fundaims to combat climate change. Additionally, approximately $790 million was donated to various environmental groups through the fund, and $110 million was donated through donations. Day 1 Family Fund supporting homeless families and donating $120 million to a free preschool network, Bezos Academy. It also made a $200 million commitment to the Smithsonian for renovations and a new learning center in 2024.
But its The lifetime endowment is only $4.1 billionaccordingly ForbesThe 2025 list of America’s Most Generous Philanthropists was released in April. Considering that you are a man worth 264 billion dollarsWhile this made up only 1.6% of his net worth, Scott gave away 36% of his net worth. Forbes.
To be sure, Forbes It counts “lifetime giving” as money already donated, not funds parked in a foundation for now. The list ranked Scott as the fifth most generous philanthropist, behind Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, George Soros and Michael Bloomberg.
Within months, Scott donated hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations focused on DEI, education and disaster recovery. Just a sample of his biggest recent gifts:
