MacKenzie Scott's $42M Defies Anti-DEI Trends, Expands College Access

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has allocated $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding college access for low-income and underrepresented students, marking the largest single donation in the organization's 45-year history. The unrestricted grant will enhance the organization's capacity to provide scholarships, mentorship, and financial aid guidance to students, with a focus on first-generation and students of color. This contribution aligns with Scott's broader strategy of funding equity-centered education initiatives, including eight-figure donations to Native Forward and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Fortune^[1].

Scott's giving model emphasizes rapid, flexible funding to maximize impact. The $42 million to 10,000 Degrees will support program expansion, endowment growth, and the development of new initiatives aimed at addressing educational inequities. Kim Mazzuca, CEO of 10,000 Degrees, noted that the donation arrives during a critical period for the organization, as political polarization and anti-immigrant rhetoric have heightened challenges for its student population. The grant is expected to enable the nonprofit to serve more students and strengthen long-term sustainability 10,000 Degrees^[2].

This donation is part of Scott's larger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In September 2025, she also contributed $70 million to UNCF to bolster endowments across 37 HBCUs, aiming to narrow historical funding gaps with predominantly white institutions. The pooled endowment will provide annual distributions to support scholarships, facilities, and institutional growth. Such contributions reflect Scott's multi-year focus on education equity, with over $19 billion donated since 2019 to more than 2,450 organizations addressing economic security, housing, and healthcare Philanthropy^[3].

Scott's approach prioritizes "no-strings-attached" grants, allowing grantees to allocate resources where needs are most urgent. This strategy has enabled organizations like 10,000 Degrees and UNCF to accelerate their missions without restrictive conditions. Over the past five years, Scott has distributed $19 billion in unrestricted gifts, with 2024 alone accounting for $2 billion across nearly 200 grantees. Her funding model includes repeat support for high-performing organizations and investments in endowment-building to create lasting institutional capacity Fortune^[1].

The philanthropist's recent gifts underscore a continued commitment to DEI amid broader sector retrenchment. Despite political pressures, Scott's donations to minority-serving institutions signal a defiance of trends that seek to dismantle equity-focused programs. Philanthropy scholars note that her giving reflects a long-term vision rooted in trust-based philanthropy, prioritizing organizations that align with her belief in systemic change through education and economic mobility Philanthropy^[3].