MacKenzie Scott donates $80 million to Howard University while cutting her Amazon stake by $12.6 billion, marking another milestone in her bold philanthropy.
MacKenzie Scott Donates $80 Million to Howard University, Reduces Amazon Stake by $12.6 Billion
TheInterviewTimes.com | WASHINGTON, D.C. | November 6, 2025 — Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has once again captured global attention with an $80 million unrestricted donation to Howard University, marking one of the largest single gifts in the institution’s 158-year history.
The donation coincides with a new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing revealing that MacKenzie Scott has reduced her Amazon stake by approximately $12.6 billion, trimming her holdings by nearly 42%.
MacKenzie Scott’s Historic $80 Million Gift to Howard University
The $80 million contribution from MacKenzie Scott includes $63 million for general university operations and $17 million for Howard’s College of Medicine.
According to interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick, the funds will strengthen student aid, infrastructure, research, and academic programs, while also bolstering operational reserves during a period of financial uncertainty caused by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
Howard University, one of America’s premier historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has now received more than $132 million in total from MacKenzie Scott since 2020. Previous donations included $40 million in 2020 and $12 million in 2023.
This latest contribution is part of MacKenzie Scott’s 2025 philanthropic wave, which has directed over $300 million to eight other HBCUs, including Morgan State University ($63 million), Virginia State University ($50 million), and Spelman College ($38 million). She also granted $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to boost endowments across 73 HBCUs.
Must Read: Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Berkshire Hathaway Shares to Charities
Amazon Stake Sale Fuels MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy
In a filing dated September 30, 2025, MacKenzie Scott disclosed that she reduced her Amazon holdings from 139 million shares to 81.1 million. The 58-million-share reduction, valued at roughly $12.6 billion, has fuelled speculation that proceeds are being directed toward her expanding philanthropic commitments.
While the filing doesn’t specify whether the reduction involved direct sales or in-kind donations, analysts believe the timing aligns with her recent surge in charitable giving. Scott now holds about 1.9% of Amazon’s total shares.
Since her 2019 divorce settlement from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, which granted her a 4% stake then valued at $37 billion, MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,450 nonprofits worldwide. Despite her extensive giving, her net worth remains around $35.6 billion, according to Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
Must Read: Guide for Indian Students: How to Secure Admission to American Universities
Yield Giving: Redefining Modern Philanthropy
Through her organization Yield Giving, MacKenzie Scott practices a unique philanthropic model centered on large, unrestricted grants that empower recipients to decide how best to use the funds. A 2025 report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that Scott’s approach enables organizations to expand staffing, develop programs, and increase long-term sustainability—free from traditional donor-imposed restrictions.
This year alone, MacKenzie Scott has committed $640 million to 361 community-based nonprofits, addressing causes such as racial equity, economic mobility, and disaster recovery. Among the recipients, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) received $60 million to strengthen local recovery efforts amid shrinking federal aid.
Must Read: Canada’s Crackdown: 74% of Indian Study-Permit Applications Rejected Over Fraud Concerns
MacKenzie Scott’s Strategic Giving Amid Policy Shifts
MacKenzie Scott’s sustained support for HBCUs comes at a time of political uncertainty, as federal policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) face potential cutbacks. Despite a September 2025 Department of Education announcement of $495 million in new funding for HBCUs and tribal colleges, programs like the HBCU Capital Financing Program remain in question.
Howard University’s interim President Frederick praised MacKenzie Scott’s commitment, emphasizing, “These investments create pathways to generational wealth and opportunity for families who have historically been denied access.”
Her philanthropy—defined by transparency, trust, and autonomy—continues to challenge conventional notions of high-net-worth giving. By supporting education and equity-driven initiatives, MacKenzie Scott reinforces her legacy as one of the most transformative and socially conscious philanthropists of the 21st century.
Must Read: Top 50 Global Universities in 2025: Leading the Way in Higher Education
Conclusion: MacKenzie Scott’s Global Impact
With her latest $80 million donation to Howard University and $12.6 billion reduction in Amazon holdings, MacKenzie Scott exemplifies a rare blend of strategic wealth redistribution and moral clarity. Her giving continues to shape not only the future of education but also the broader narrative of philanthropy and social justice.
As Howard University channels these funds into medical training, infrastructure, and innovation, MacKenzie Scott’s vision stands as a testament to how transformative generosity can redefine power, privilege, and purpose in a changing global economy.
Must Read: US Government Shutdown Triggers Global Financial Liquidity Crisis