MacKenzie Scott Donated More in 2025 Than Some Billionaires Have Given Away in Lifetime

Scott's $7.2 billion in donations last year exceeded the lifetime giving of several prominent U.S. billionaires.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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According to Forbes, MacKenzie Scott donated an estimated $7.2 billion to 186 organizations in 2025 alone, which is more than the lifetime giving of several prominent U.S. billionaires including Elon Musk, Larry Page, Larry Ellison, and her ex-husband Jeff Bezos. Scott is currently the third-largest donor on Forbes' list of America's most generous givers, with an estimated lifetime giving of $26.4 billion.

Why it matters

Scott's massive philanthropic efforts highlight the growing trend of ultra-wealthy individuals committing significant portions of their fortunes to charitable causes. Her donations have had a significant impact on the nonprofit sector, with a recent study indicating the effects of her gifts on recipient organizations have been "overwhelmingly positive."

The details

In 2025, Scott donated $7.2 billion to 186 organizations, which is more than the lifetime giving of several prominent billionaires like Elon Musk ($500 million), Larry Page ($100 million), Larry Ellison ($1 billion), and her ex-husband Jeff Bezos ($4.7 billion). Scott is currently the third-largest donor on Forbes' list of America's 25 most generous givers, behind only Warren Buffett and Bill Gates/Melinda French Gates. She has an estimated lifetime giving of $26.4 billion, which is 75% of the Amazon shares she received in her 2019 divorce from Bezos.

  • In 2025, Scott donated an estimated $7.2 billion to 186 organizations.
  • Scott joined the Giving Pledge in May 2019, shortly after her divorce from Bezos.

The players

MacKenzie Scott

A philanthropist who has donated an estimated $26.4 billion in her lifetime, making her the third-largest donor on Forbes' list of America's most generous givers.

Jeff Bezos

Scott's ex-husband, the founder of Amazon, who has donated an estimated $4.7 billion in his lifetime.

Elon Musk

A prominent U.S. billionaire who has donated an estimated $500 million in his lifetime.

Larry Page

A prominent U.S. billionaire who has donated an estimated $100 million in his lifetime.

Larry Ellison

A prominent U.S. billionaire who has donated an estimated $1 billion in his lifetime.

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What they’re saying

“I have no doubt that tremendous value comes when people act quickly on the impulse to give. No drive has more positive ripple effects than the desire to be of service.”

— MacKenzie Scott (Giving Pledge)

The takeaway

MacKenzie Scott's unprecedented philanthropic efforts, including donating more in 2025 than some billionaires have given away in their lifetimes, demonstrate the power of the ultra-wealthy to drive positive change through strategic and impactful giving. Her approach to philanthropy, focused on speed and service, has had a transformative effect on the nonprofit sector.