Archive · 5 Nov 2025
MacKenzie Scott Donates $80 Million to Howard University
A very wealthy woman named MacKenzie Scott, who used to be married to the boss of Amazon, gave a lot of money to a special university called Howard University.
She gave them $80 million, which is a huge amount!
This money will help the university with its daily needs, like helping students, fixing buildings, and making sure the school can keep running smoothly.
It's especially helpful because the government has stopped sending some money, and Howard needs it.
MacKenzie Scott has given away a lot of her money to help good causes, particularly those that help people who have been traditionally left out.
MacKenzie Scott has donated $80 million to Howard University, one of the largest gifts in its history.
The donation aims to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education.
Of the total amount, $63 million will go to general operations and $17 million to the College of Medicine.
The gift is particularly timely as Howard University faces funding challenges due to a federal government shutdown.
Scott has previously made significant donations to organizations focused on educational access for underrepresented students and has reduced her Amazon stake considerably.
- Who
- MacKenzie Scott, billionaire philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos
- What
- Donated $80 million to Howard University
- When
- Over the weekend (announcement date)
- Where
- Howard University
- Why
- To advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, support student aid, infrastructure improvements, and operational continuity, especially during a federal government shutdown impacting funding.
- Donor
- MacKenzie Scott
- Recipient
- Howard University
- Donation Amount
- $80 million
- Allocation
- $63 million for general operations, $17 million for College of Medicine
- Scott's Net Worth
- $35.6 billion
- Scott's Amazon Stake Reduction
- 42% ($12.6 billion)