Scott Gives $20M for Youth Mental Health

MacKenzie Scott has made a substantial $20 million donation to Active Minds, a United States-based non-profit organization focused on youth mental health. This contribution, the largest single donation Active Minds has ever received, offers unrestricted funding. This approach empowers the organization to allocate resources where they are most needed.

The funds will bolster Active Minds' national network and support youth-led initiatives. Programs like the Mental Health Advocacy Academy for secondary students and the Mental Health Advocacy Institute for higher education students will receive further investment.

This donation arrives amidst growing concerns over the mental well-being of young people in the US. Data from 2023 indicated that approximately one in five high school students had seriously considered suicide, with similar proportions reporting anxiety and depression.

Since 2020, Scott has distributed approximately $26 billion through her philanthropic efforts, with a consistent focus on education, healthcare, and underserved communities. Her practice of awarding unrestricted grants through Yield Giving has drawn attention for trusting recipients to determine the best use of funds.