MacKenzie Scott’s Open Call for Grants Draws Over 6,000 Applications
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s recent open call for grants has sparked an overwhelming response, with more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations across the United States vying for the chance to secure a generous $1 million grant. The initiative, overseen by nonprofit Lever for Change, has drawn applications from every state. In early 2024, the 250 fortunate grant recipients will be announced, and the impact is expected to be transformative for these organizations.
MacKenzie Scott has earned widespread acclaim for her innovative approach to philanthropy, revolutionizing traditional giving since 2019, when she pledged to donate her substantial wealth following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. With more than $14 billion already donated to 1,600 nonprofit organizations, her unrestricted contributions have made a significant difference across a wide range of sectors. According to Forbes, her current net worth exceeds $36 billion.
A New Approach to Giving
In a groundbreaking move, Scott’s organization, Yield Giving, launched its first ever call for grant applications in March. This gives nonprofits an unprecedented opportunity to apply directly for support. Prior to this shift, Scott and her team of advisors personally selected and vetted every recipient themselves. While this open call presents new possibilities for nonprofits, it also intensifies competition among organizations eager to earn Scott’s backing.
However, some nonprofits have expressed concerns regarding the application criteria. Melanie Lambert, a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser running her own grant writing consulting business, voiced disappointment that applications were limited to organizations with budgets ranging from $1 million to $5 million. She argued this limitation might inadvertently exclude smaller organizations that could be significantly impacted by such funding.
Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, clarified that the organization’s focus remained on identifying groups with a tangible, meaningful impact on people’s lives. Scott’s philanthropic efforts continue to prioritize initiatives that align with her broader vision of creating positive, transformative change across society.
Why This Moment Matters for Nonprofits
The timing of this open call carries real weight for nonprofits currently grappling with inflation and seeking to replace shrinking government funding. Giving USA’s recent report revealed a decline in charitable donations in 2022, adding a heightened sense of urgency for organizations seeking additional support. That backdrop makes an unrestricted $1 million grant particularly meaningful, since it offers not just funding but flexibility at a moment when many nonprofits are being asked to do more with less.
While many nonprofits have eagerly embraced the opportunity to apply for Scott’s support, others have chosen not to participate, often citing alignment issues with their own organizational missions. Danielle Gletow, founder of One Simple Wish, evaluated the application but ultimately felt it was better suited for community led initiatives rather than her own organization’s model.
How the Selection Process Works
With thousands of applications received, Lever for Change faces the considerable challenge of evaluating them all within a designated timeframe. Their peer review process will involve applicants assessing five other applications, ultimately narrowing the pool to 1,000 finalists. Those finalists will then be evaluated by a panel, with MacKenzie Scott and Lever for Change jointly selecting the winning organizations. Winners will ultimately be chosen based on their scores and their alignment with Scott’s broader philanthropic goals.
The open call for grants presents an unparalleled opportunity for nonprofits to secure transformative funding, while also underscoring the increasingly competitive landscape organizations must navigate, along with the responsibility to carefully weigh the resources required for each application.
Source: This news post is adapted from an article on Fortune magazine. Please visit: Billionaire Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s First Open Call for Grants Yields Over 6,000 Applications
