MacKenzie Scott donates $86 million to MakeWay Foundation
Why It Matters
This landmark $86 million donation to MakeWay signals a powerful shift toward values-based philanthropy that prioritizes trust, humility, and long-term impact. At a time of economic uncertainty and mounting pressure on communities, it offers a rare opportunity to invest in both urgent needs and the resilience of grassroots-led change.
MakeWay Foundation has received what they call a “transformative” $86 million from Yield Giving, the philanthropic initiative founded by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
MakeWay says the massive donation will go towards their work to advance environmental and social change through partnerships.
“We recognize the serious responsibility that comes with receiving this gift,” said Alex Sardar, president and CEO of MakeWay, in a press release.
“It comes as Canada is navigating economic uncertainty and when many of the communities we serve are facing increased pressure on already limited resources. In this context, our gratitude must be matched by thoughtfulness and intention.”
Sardar said they plan to take time to reflect and listen before making any decisions about how to use the funds, beginning with the creation of a stewardship process.
The money is expected to be balanced between investing in urgent community priorities with strengthening long-term organizational resilience.
Over the next year, MakeWay will undertake a strategic planning process to make informed decisions about how to best utilize the funds in a manner that aligns with the sector’s vision, he said.
“Our hope is that this moment becomes an example of what values-based philanthropy can look like in practice: rooted in humility, animated by reciprocity, and guided by the conviction that how we steward resources is as important as where we direct them,” Sardar said.
Yield Giving staff and advisors have helped facilitate about $19 billion to more than 2,450 non-profit groups worldwide.
Scott, who is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has committed to giving away the majority of her fortune through her participation in the Giving Pledge.
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