Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $20 million to Active Minds, a U.S. nonprofit focused on youth mental health, marking the largest gift in the organization’s history. The unrestricted donation was announced this week, allowing Active Minds to expand its programming and invest in long-term growth amid rising youth mental health challenges, according to fortune.com.
Scott, who has a net worth of $35.8 billion, has a history of giving large, no-strings-attached donations. She previously contributed $4 million to Active Minds in 2021. Alison Malmon, founder and executive director of Active Minds, said the new gift enables the nonprofit to make bold investments in youth leadership and youth-led mental health solutions. The organization has planned a multi-year strategy to use the funds to build community infrastructure and drive system change.
The donation comes as one in five American teens struggle with suicidal thoughts, highlighting a growing youth mental health crisis. Active Minds mobilizes young people to change mental health culture and advocates for youth-led solutions. Scott’s philanthropic approach of unrestricted giving allows nonprofits like Active Minds to respond flexibly to evolving community needs, setting her apart from traditional donors.
Active Minds has outlined plans to distribute the $20 million over several years to scale national programs and energize youth leadership. The nonprofit’s expanded capacity aims to translate youth voices into systemic mental health improvements, according to fortune.com.