MacKenzie Scott Keeps $35 Billion Fortune as Amazon Stock Outruns $26 Billion in Donations
Updated
Updated · Fortune · Jul 16
MacKenzie Scott Keeps $35 Billion Fortune as Amazon Stock Outruns $26 Billion in Donations
3 articles · Updated · Fortune · Jul 16
Summary
$7.2 billion in 2025 donations cut MacKenzie Scott’s net worth by only about $4.5 billion year to date, leaving her fortune near the level she held after her 2019 divorce.
Amazon’s stock has climbed more than 42% in the past five years, and the roughly 4% stake Scott received in the divorce has appreciated faster than she can give it away.
Scott has already reduced that original holding by about 42%—selling or donating roughly 58 million shares worth around $12.6 billion—yet concentrated equity gains continue to replenish her wealth.
Her case highlights how billionaire philanthropy can coexist with wealth preservation in a bull market, reshaping the give-while-alive model she pursues through Yield Giving.
Can philanthropy solve wealth inequality if giving away billions fails to shrink a fortune?
With record billionaire donations, why does the nonprofit sector face a deepening crisis?
When one person directs billions, who ensures accountability for the societal impact?
The $26 Billion Paradox: How MacKenzie Scott’s Unrestricted Giving Is Transforming Philanthropy—And Why Her Fortune Keeps Growing
Overview
MacKenzie Scott has become a major force in modern philanthropy by giving away over $26 billion in just five years, supporting thousands of organizations through her unique approach of rapid, large-scale, and unrestricted donations. Her giving, especially the $7 billion donated in 2025 alone, has reshaped charitable contributions and empowered recipients with full autonomy over how to use the funds. Despite this immense generosity, Scott’s personal fortune remains substantial, highlighting a paradox where her wealth persists or even grows alongside her giving. This dynamic sparks important discussions about the impact and limits of large-scale philanthropy in addressing wealth inequality.