Inside the Mind of Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

At the start of a new year, it's appropriate to express our gratitude for life's gifts. So, today, we look inside the mind of MacKenzie Scott, who has quietly made herself into one of history's greatest philanthropists.

Here are her words:

We each come by the gifts we have by an infinite series of influences and lucky breaks we can never fully understand. I have a disproportionate amount of money to share. But I will keep at it until the safe is empty.
— MacKenzie Scott

Scott has revised the philanthropy template.

In under five years, she has given more than $26 billion, donated an estimated 45% of her net worth, and quietly put herself in the top tier of all-time individual donors.

Just as important as the scale of her giving is the fact that she has removed control, delay, and self-promotion from her philanthropy. She gives large, unrestricted grants and has made speed and humility the core principles of her giving.

When MacKenzie identifies a group to which he would like to give several million dollars, there's no bureaucratic process. "We tell them we admire what they are doing and would like to give them an immediate gift for use however they choose," she has written.

MacKenzie Scott sees her wealth as a structural accident that she can remedy only if she rapidly gives it away.

For more reading on this topic, read about MacKenzie Scott's giving on the website for her philanthropy, Yield Giving.

And, if you are thinking of donating, use Charity Navigator or GuideStar to help you find worthy, trustworthy organizations to receive your gifts.

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