MacKenzie Scott Boosts DEI with $40 Million to African American Cultural Fund
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has announced a remarkable $40 million donation to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. This substantial contribution reinforces her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Significance of the Donation
This latest gift from Scott is double the amount she previously donated to the same fund in 2021. It accounts for 20% of the organization’s total fundraising to date. The organization’s mission focuses on preserving sites of significant Black history across the United States.
Recent Philanthropic Actions
Just days before this announcement, Scott also contributed $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit aimed at improving college access for low-income students, predominantly from non-white backgrounds.
A Historic Contribution
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a branch of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, stated that Scott’s latest donation represents the largest single contribution in its history. Executive Director Brent Leggs expressed gratitude for Scott’s investment, highlighting its lasting impact on historic preservation.
Fund Overview
Launched in 2017, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund stands as the largest privately funded initiative for preserving Black cultural sites. It has successfully raised nearly $200 million and supported over 378 preservation projects, such as churches, museums, and significant architectural landmarks.
- Funds raised: Nearly $200 million
- Projects supported: More than 378
- Estimated project requests: Over 1,200 valued at $1.2 billion
Despite these efforts, fewer than 2% of the nearly 95,000 sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places reflect Black history, indicating a stark need for increased investment in this area.
The Current Context of DEI Initiatives
Scott’s donation comes at a critical time when organizations nationwide are experiencing pressure to scale back DEI initiatives. Notably, one in five corporations is expected to reduce their DEI budgets by 2025, as reported by Resume.org.
MacKenzie Scott’s Charitable Approach
Scott, who has pledged to donate the majority of her estimated $41.2 billion fortune, has distributed over $19 billion since 2019, supporting more than 2,000 nonprofits. In the past year alone, around $110 million has been allocated to DEI efforts.
Her approach to philanthropy is unique, characterized by trust-based giving. This model allows organizations to receive large, unrestricted donations with minimal oversight and encourages community-led preservation efforts. Scott emphasizes that her role is to support those who best understand what needs protecting.
As debates about the value of DEI continue, Scott’s $40 million gift serves as a powerful message. It underscores her commitment to cultural equity and the preservation of Black heritage for future generations.
