philanthropist mackenzie scott donated $45 million to trevor projectthe largest gift in the history of LGBTQ youth crisis organizations.
Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, donates millions of dollars each year to nonprofits focused on education, climate change, environmental protection, racial and social justice, and LGBTQ rights.
According to forbesScott’s 2025 philanthropy will bring her total lifetime giving to $26 billion, putting her in the top three of America’s most generous donors behind Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. She also donated more than five times the amount her ex-husband gave, even though he is the third richest man in the world.
The donation comes as LGBTQ nonprofits face increased financial strain due to increased demand on youth crisis hotlines and staffing shortages due to a decline in individual donations. As a result, the organization was forced to lay off and lay off a large number of employees.
Last July, The Trevor Project lost $25 million in federal funding when the Trump administration removed LGBTQ-friendly support services from the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and removed the option for callers to reach a trained counselor by pressing 3.
Despite the loss of 988 support services, The Trevor Project continues to operate an independent hotline for LGBTQ youth facing depression, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. james blackThe CEO of the organization said this. Associated Press The hotline serves approximately 250,000 youth each year. That’s about half the number the organization previously reached with 988 Crisis Lifeline.
of Substance abuse and mental health services management reported that from September 2022 to July 2025, more than 1.5 million contacts were routed through 988 Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ support services.
After losing 988’s funding, The Trevor Project launched an emergency fundraising campaign to continue counseling and supporting LGBTQ youth. Mr Black said he hoped Mr Scott would see the campaign as evidence of the organization’s determination to continue its services.
“It actually took my breath away,” Black said. AP His reaction to Scott’s donation.
Mr. Scott’s gift allowed the organization to rehire staff and counselors, expand hotline services, and provide long-term stability to help navigate future periods of funding cuts.
“Mackenzie Scott officials were clear: This gift was made to have a long-term impact,” Black said, noting that the organization will take time to decide how best to use the funds, calling it a “powerful validation” of The Trevor Project’s mission. “We call this the reversal story.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
