Marin County Education Nonprofit Secures $42 Million Donation from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

San Rafael Nonprofit Receives Historic $42 Million Donation from MacKenzie Scott

10,000 Degrees Benefits from MacKenzie Scott’s Generosity

In an unprecedented act of philanthropy, MacKenzie Scott, noted for her generous contributions post her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated $42 million to San Rafael’s education nonprofit, 10,000 Degrees. This donation marks the largest in the organization’s 45-year history, aiming to bolster educational opportunities for thousands of students across multiple counties.

Impact of the Donation on Education and Community

Kim Mazzuca, president and CEO of 10,000 Degrees, emphasized the significance of this donation: “We are deeply grateful for Ms. Scott’s confidence and investment in our mission. This extraordinary gift is not only a bold affirmation of the power of education but is also a vital investment in our communities at a time when it’s needed most.”

Highlighting the nonprofit’s commitment to educational success, Guy Lampard, chair of the board, stated, “Ms. Scott’s gift will have a profound and lasting impact—significantly increasing our support for students from their initial college steps through to meaningful careers.”

Expanding Educational Reach and Opportunities

10,000 Degrees provides comprehensive support to 12,000 high school students and 4,300 college students from counties including Marin, Napa, and Santa Clara. This support is offered through programs like peer support, financial aid management, and scholarships. In the past year alone, the organization provided $10 million in scholarships, aiding students in obtaining an additional $73 million in financial aid.

With a mission to achieve educational equity, this donation will allow 10,000 Degrees to hire new staff, increase scholarships, and explore innovative programs such as artificial intelligence tools for educational success.

Enhancing Educational Outcomes

The nonprofit’s model encourages students to begin their educational journey at community colleges before transferring to four-year institutions, a strategy that has shown higher success rates. Currently, 300 high schools benefit from their programs, with a focus on students from low-income backgrounds, 92% of whom are first-generation college students from communities of color.

MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropic Vision

Since signing the Giving Pledge in 2019, initiated by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett, Scott has donated approximately $19.2 billion of her fortune, pledging to give away more than half of her wealth. Her recent $70 million donation to the United Negro College Fund showcases her ongoing commitment to educational causes.

With these contributions, Scott continues to influence transformative changes in education, supporting organizations that align with her vision for a more equitable society.