MacKenzie Scott Reduces Amazon Stake by 42% While Accelerating DEI Philanthropy

Substantial Reduction in Amazon Holdings

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has reportedly reduced her stake in Amazon by 42%, representing approximately $12.6 billion at recent closing prices, according to regulatory filings analyzed by Bloomberg. Sources indicate this marks a significant shift in how Scott manages the wealth she obtained following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019.

The SEC filing dated September 30 shows Scott now holds 81.1 million shares of Amazon – down 58 million from the previous year. Analysts suggest the reduction represents one of the largest single-year divestments since Scott gained 400 million Amazon shares through the divorce settlement. The filing, available through Amazon’s investor relations, does not specify whether the decrease resulted from share sales, donations, or both.

Accelerated Philanthropic Commitment

According to reports, Scott’s approach to philanthropy has evolved significantly since she signed the Giving Pledge in 2020, committing to donate the majority of her wealth. Research from CBS News indicates Scott has distributed approximately $19 billion to more than 2,000 nonprofits over the past five years, with a median gift size of roughly $5 million.

Despite these substantial donations, analysts suggest Scott’s net worth has continued to grow due to Amazon’s stock performance, which has more than doubled since her divorce. This financial growth has reportedly enabled her to maintain significant philanthropic momentum while her core holdings appreciate in value.

Major Investments in DEI Initiatives

Recent reports highlight Scott’s focused giving toward diversity, equity and inclusion causes, with over $110 million directed specifically toward these initiatives. According to the Associated Press, Scott recently donated $70 million to historically Black colleges and universities through the UNCF nonprofit organization. This program, launched in 2021, aims to help HBCUs achieve long-term financial stability and address funding disparities compared to predominantly white institutions.

Additional reporting indicates Scott provided a $42 million gift to 10,000 Degrees, a Bay Area nonprofit focused on expanding college access for low-income and predominantly non-white students. These substantial contributions reflect what analysts describe as Scott’s strategic approach to philanthropy, targeting systemic inequities through unrestricted giving.

Diverse Philanthropic Portfolio

Beyond DEI initiatives, sources indicate Scott has maintained a broad philanthropic portfolio supporting various causes. According to organizational announcements, her giving includes:

$84.5 million to the Girl Scouts of the USA to support leadership development programs
$436 million to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing initiatives
$275 million to Planned Parenthood to advance health equity nationwide
$20 million to Champlain Housing Trust in Vermont for community development

This diverse giving strategy, according to philanthropic analysts, reflects Scott’s commitment to addressing multiple societal challenges through what researchers have characterized as transformative, unrestricted donations that empower organizations to allocate resources according to their specific needs.

Continuing Philanthropic Impact

As Scott continues to reshape her financial portfolio and philanthropic strategy, industry observers suggest her approach represents a significant shift in high-net-worth giving. The combination of substantial asset reallocation and focused support for DEI initiatives indicates, according to analysts, an evolving strategy that prioritizes both immediate impact and long-term systemic change.

With her Yield Giving organization maintaining its course of rapid, substantial donations, financial experts suggest Scott’s reduction in Amazon holdings may signal both portfolio diversification and continued commitment to her unprecedented philanthropic mission, though her representatives have not publicly commented on specific strategic decisions.