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mackenzie scottThe woman, one of the world’s richest women and most influential philanthropists, has donated $60 million to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, according to the nonprofit’s Tuesday announcement.
This donation is one of Scott’s ex-wife’s largest single gifts Amazon Founder jeff bezosCreated for a non-profit, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy has received its largest award to date.
Patricia McElravy, CDP Chair and ceocalled the gift a “transformative investment” that will help the nonprofit “strengthen the capacity of communities to withstand and equitably recover from disasters.”
The gift comes as climate disasters become more frequent and costly, as President donald trump This has created uncertainty about how much federal support communities will receive to recover from future emergencies.
Founded in 2010, CDP provides advice and resources to donors seeking to maximize their impact on communities recovering from climate disasters and other crises. The organization emphasizes medium and long-term recovery, which are two often neglected phases of disaster response.
According to the group, CDP also does its own disaster assistance, including its Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund, which will soon support Hurricane Melissa recovery in the Caribbean.
According to a statement from CDP, the $60 million grant will go toward “improving disaster preparedness, addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to hazards, and providing critical resources for the long-term recovery of disaster-affected communities.”
Scott, 55, earned most of his wealth through Amazon shares, which he acquired following his divorce from company founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos. Forbes estimates his current net worth to be around $34 billion.
Shortly after his divorce, Scott signed the Giving Pledge, in which he promised to give away at least half of his wealth over his lifetime. He has donated more than $19 billion since 2019.
The author of two novels is known for her quiet and faith-based contributions. Scott rarely comments on his donations other than sporadic essays published on his website, Yield Giving.
Nonprofits are often surprised to learn that they are receiving one of their grants, which comes without restrictions on how the group can use the money.
McIlreavy told The Associated Press that he learned about the gift through a phone call in September. “There was disbelief and joy mixed together,” he said.
The lack of restrictions allows CDPs to put some money into general operations such as staffing, an aspect of nonprofit work that is often difficult to raise money for.
McIlreavy said nonprofits trying to raise money for administrative costs can sometimes feel like they’re running a pizza shop. “People would come in and say ‘I want pizza, but I don’t want to pay the workers who make it or the trucks who bring the cheese.'”
The support comes as the frequency and cost of climate disasters continues to rise, straining the capacity of both governments and donors to respond.
According to Climate Central, at least 14 disasters hit the US this year, causing more than $1 billion in damages, a total of $101.4 billion. That count does not include deadly flooding in Texas in July, which is still being assessed.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which manages the federal response to disasters. He has rejected major disaster declaration requests from states even when FEMA assessments proved widespread damage. His administration has also cut billions in disaster resiliency funding.
McIlreavy said the uncertainty is challenging for survivors and for donors and philanthropists, who can’t predict where and when their support will be needed most.
He said, “When people are experiencing disasters across this country, not knowing what might happen, how and from whom they can get help, it steals a little bit of the hope that is inherent in any recovery.”
Several other groups announced this month that they had received grants from Scott, including the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, which received $40 million, and the Freedom Fund, which received $60 million. Scott last month donated $70 million to UNCF, the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships to minority students.
Scott hinted at a new cycle of donations in an October 15 essay on his website, while downplaying his own donations and extolling the power of small acts of kindness and generosity.
“What if caring was a way for all of us to make a difference in leading and shaping our countries?” Scott wrote. “There are so many ways to influence how we move in the world, and where we end up.”
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Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is supported through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.