Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, has quietly proven her status as one of the world’s most generous philanthropists following an incredible $70 million unrestricted donation to Meals on Wheels America.
The 56-year-old, who was married to Jeff for 25 years until they split in 2019, has a net worth of roughly $31.8 billion, and pledged to give it all away in her lifetime.
Meals on Wheels shared insight into just how meaningful MacKenzie’s donation was in a statement shared in April. “We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary act of generosity and trust that will help us move closer to a world where every senior who needs Meals on Wheels gets it,” said Ellie Hollander, the president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.
“This investment will help accelerate our strategic plan and strengthen the capacity of local providers so more seniors can access the meals and social connection they need to live nourished, independent lives.” Kristine Templin, the chief development and marketing officer, added that she hoped the donation would encourage others to give to the organization.
“This gift will help expand the network’s capacity so more seniors can receive the meals, connection and care they need – and we hope it inspires others to join us in helping End the Wait™,” she shared.
Meals on Wheels is a community-based service that delivers nutritious meals to and social connection for seniors, disabled people and homebound people. The current waitlist sits at four months for meals and services due to increasing high demand.
© Getty ImagesMacKenzie’s philanthropy extends to several different causes, with the mom of four recently donating $7 million to Minnesota tribal college Red Lake Nation College, after handing over $760 million to 18 historically Black colleges and universities in 2025.
Learn more about Jeff and his new wife below…
She is also working to alleviate the housing crisis, having donated $436 million to Habitat for Humanity, and the climate crisis, with her $90 million gift to Forests, People, Climate.
In 2025 alone, MacKenzie donated $7.2 billion to various organizations, making her the most generous philanthropist of the year. She has given away 46% of her total net worth since her divorce from Jeff in 2019. Meanwhile, the Amazon founder and his new bride, Lauren Sánchez, have given away $4.7 billion in total.
© Getty Images“My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful,” MacKenzie wrote in a letter in 2019. “It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”
© GettyMacKenzie first met Jeff when they worked at the same financial firm. They married after just three months of dating, and moved from New York to Seattle so Jeff could start a digital bookselling company that later became Amazon.
They welcomed four kids together before they split in 2019, and have worked to keep them out of the spotlight. “Though the labels might be different, we remain a family, and we remain cherished friends,” Jeff wrote on X following their divorce.
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