Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made a transformative $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees, a San Rafael-based nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income students across the Bay Area achieve their college ambitions. The gift is the largest in the organization’s 45-year history and is set to fuel substantial growth in educational opportunity and support.
Key Takeaways
- MacKenzie Scott donated $42 million to 10,000 Degrees to expand educational opportunities for low-income students.
- 10,000 Degrees supports thousands of students each year, focusing on scholarships and mentorship.
- The donation will help the nonprofit scale its reach beyond the Bay Area and strengthen its programming.
A Record-Breaking Gift for Education
The $42 million contribution from Scott comes through her philanthropic vehicle, Yield Giving, and signals a major vote of confidence in 10,000 Degrees’ mission. The organization helps students, the majority from communities of color and first-generation college families, by offering scholarships, mentorship, and personalized guidance—services that don’t require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.
This historic gift arrives at a crucial time: 10,000 Degrees currently supports 12,000 high school students and 4,300 college students from eight Bay Area counties. The nonprofit’s model pairs scholarships with dedicated mentors, aiming to double the number of students it serves annually in the coming years.
Expanding Impact and Student Success
Founded in 1981, 10,000 Degrees has awarded more than $113 million in scholarships to over 80,000 students. The organization is notable for its results—an 80% graduation rate for four-year college students, which is double the national average. For many, the journey starts at a community college, followed by transfer to a four-year institution, a path proven to maximize student success.
Scott’s generous gift will enable 10,000 Degrees to broaden its geographic footprint beyond the Bay Area, bolster its endowment for greater long-term impact, and invest in innovative initiatives, such as leveraging technology for student success. Funds will also support expansion through new hires and additional scholarships.
The Broader Philanthropic Picture
MacKenzie Scott, whose net worth remains above $32 billion despite her extensive giving, has committed to donating the majority of her wealth. Her focus remains on organizations dedicated to educational equity, community development, and social justice. In recent months, she has directed large gifts to groups advancing opportunities for historically underserved communities nationwide.
The $42 million donation not only affirms 10,000 Degrees’ approach but is expected to have generational ripple effects in Bay Area communities—helping more students realize the transformative potential of higher education.
Sources
- Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott donates $42M to Bay Area nonprofit 10,000 Degrees to fund scholarships
for low-income students, ABC7 San Francisco. - MacKenzie Scott Just Donated $42 Million to This Education Nonprofit, Inc.com.
- Marin education nonprofit gets $42 million from philanthropist, The Press Democrat.
- MacKenzie Scott donates $42 million to Bay Area education nonprofit, KTVU.
