MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire philanthropist and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently reduced her stake in Amazon by nearly half. She made this move to channel funds toward charitable causes. However, her philanthropic choices have now drawn significant attention.
Donations to Solidaire Network Raise Questions
Reports indicate that Scott donated substantial sums to the Solidaire Network through her charity, Yield Giving. In 2021, she gave $10 million. In 2025, she contributed another $5 million. The network positions itself as a connector between social movements and donors. It aims to build systems rooted in love and justice.
Yet, tax records and press releases reviewed by Fortune reveal a concerning connection. Solidaire Network has provided funding to groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). Both organizations currently face investigations by the House and Senate.
Congressional and FBI Scrutiny Intensifies
Authorities are examining these groups for alleged ties to Hamas. They are suspected of organizing anti-Israel protests across the United States. In May 2024, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability expressed serious concerns. They sent a letter to AMP's executive director.
The committee warned that groups spreading pro-Hamas messages might receive money from sources supporting terrorist organizations. Then, in September 2025, US Senator Tom Cotton called for an FBI investigation. He targeted the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), labeling it hateful toward Jewish people.
Cotton pointed to statements from PYM leader Aisha Nizar. She allegedly urged supporters to disrupt the US F-35 fighter jet supply chain. In a statement, Cotton said these remarks constituted direct incitement of violence against US national security interests.
Scott's Massive Philanthropic Impact
Despite the controversy, MacKenzie Scott remains one of the world's most significant donors. In 2025 alone, she donated over $7 billion. Since 2020, her total giving has reached an astonishing $26 billion. This sum spans more than 2,700 individual donations.
Scott's net worth stands at approximately $40 billion, largely from her divorce settlement. She joins ranks with philanthropic giants like Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett. Her 2025 donations primarily supported diversity programs, disaster relief efforts, and colleges.
No Direct Proof of Funds to Investigated Groups
It is crucial to note a key detail about Scott's donations. She provides funds with no restrictions. This means recipient organizations can spend the money as they see fit. There is no concrete evidence that her 2021 or 2025 gifts went directly to SJP or AMP.
The Solidaire Network also funds numerous other progressive causes. These include groups working on racial equality, gender justice, climate action, and economic fairness. In 2021, Scott was just one of over 280 donors to the network.
Network's Response and Broader Mission
The Solidaire Network publicly acknowledged Scott's contribution. They stated that funding social movements while transforming relationships to wealth represents the future of philanthropy. They described her no-strings-attached gift as honoring their bold collective ambitions.
Around the time of Scott's donations, the network distributed multimillion-dollar grants through various funds. These included the Black Liberation Pooled Fund, Movement Protection Fund, and Movement Infrastructure Fund. In January 2024, they also launched a Unity & Power Fund. This fund supports movements for a permanent ceasefire and against Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Stacey Krueger of Palestine Legal emphasized the importance of such support. She noted that philanthropic partners need to show up during crises and provide longer-term funding to sustain work beyond immediate flashpoints.
Scott's Personal Inspiration and Philosophy
MacKenzie Scott's philanthropic drive stems from personal experiences. She often cites her college roommate, who lent her $1,000 to prevent her from dropping out. She also remembers her dentist, who provided free dental work after seeing her use denture glue to fix a broken tooth in college.
In a December 2025 blog post, Scott shared her philosophy on giving. She wrote that generosity and kindness activate the same pleasure centers in the brain as sex, food, and receiving gifts. She believes these acts improve health and long-term happiness. One unexpected act of kindness, she argued, can inspire a beneficial chain reaction lasting for years.
Recognition Amid Criticism
While some critics question her donation to the Solidaire Network, Scott is widely recognized for her impactful giving. She has made a tangible difference for organizations focused on diversity, higher education, veterans' issues, social justice, disaster relief, and climate change.
For instance, she donated $80 million to Howard University last fall. The university stated this gift arrived at an opportune time. A US government shutdown had delayed annual federal funds critical for supporting students, academic programs, research, and hospital operations.
MacKenzie Scott's philanthropic journey continues to evolve. Her approach emphasizes unrestricted giving, trusting organizations to use funds effectively. Yet, as her donations intersect with politically sensitive investigations, they spark important conversations about philanthropy, accountability, and social impact.
