MacKenzie Scott donates $26.4 billion, reshaping funding for HBCUs

MacKenzie Scott, who received a 4% Amazon share after her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, has now sold more than 75% of those shares and donated $26.4 billion to over 2,500 organizations. A significant portion of that money has targeted historically Black colleges and universities, with at least $760 million granted to 18 institutions during a three-month period in late 2025. Notable gifts include $80 million to Howard University, $63 million each to Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M University, and multiple $50-million contributions to Virginia State, Norfolk State, Winston-Salem State, and Bowie State.

Scott’s approach emphasizes unrestricted funding, giving schools flexibility for scholarships, facilities, research, and other priorities. Her unprecedented scale and speed of giving secured her a place on Forbes’ 2026 Iconoclast 50, a list highlighting individuals who challenge conventional norms across business, finance, technology, media, entertainment and philanthropy.