MacKenzie Scott donated more than $7 billion to over 120 organizations last year through her philanthropic group, Yield Giving, but was not included on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s top 50 donors list this year, according to fortune.com. Despite her historic giving surpassing the lifetime donations of Jeff Bezos, Scott’s secretive approach to philanthropy kept her off the list.
Scott’s donations in 2025 were unprecedented in scale, yet her refusal to share details with the Chronicle of Philanthropy prevented verification for the list. The Chronicle noted her absence, stating that neither Scott nor her representatives provided information about gifts to donor-advised funds. Fortune reported that attempts to contact Yield Giving for more details were unsuccessful, highlighting Scott’s preference for privacy and low-profile giving.
This situation illustrates the challenges in recognizing philanthropic impact when donors maintain strict confidentiality. Scott’s giving dwarfs many others on the Chronicle’s list, yet her secretive style means her contributions remain under the radar in some circles. Other outlets like Forbes have acknowledged her generosity, underscoring a divide in how donor transparency affects public recognition in philanthropy.
Looking ahead, Scott’s approach suggests she will continue making large-scale donations without seeking publicity or formal acknowledgment. The philanthropic community may need to consider alternative ways to track and honor giving that respects donor privacy while highlighting significant contributions to social causes.