MacKenzie Scott Donates $45 Million to the Trevor Project

New York: Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $45 million to The Trevor Project. This nonprofit helps LGBTQ+ youth. The donation comes after the Trump administration stopped counseling services for queer youth. The Trevor Project used to run these services through the federally-funded 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, called the donation “transformational.” He said it is the biggest single donation the nonprofit has ever received in its 27 years. Scott had previously donated $6 million to the organization during the first Trump administration.

MacKenzie Scott, who divorced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, is known for her philanthropy. In 2025, she gave more than $7 billion to nonprofit groups. Black mentioned that LGBTQ+ youth face common issues like stigma and mental health challenges. He stressed that Scott’s support sends a strong message that “LGBTQ+ young people matter.”

A survey from The Trevor Project found that around 45 percent of LGBTQ+ youth aged 13 to 24 have thought about suicide. The group works to support those at serious risk. After Trump’s election in 2024, there was a 700 percent increase in contacts to The Trevor Project. Calls, chats, and texts surged again after the inauguration last year and following important events, such as the ruling in US v. Skrmetti about gender-affirming care for minors.

Black believes Scott’s generous gift will help the organization expand its reach to more LGBTQ+ youth. He stated that it will aid in building a roadmap for future improvements to their crisis services. This will ensure that the support reaches those who need help.

Scott’s other recent donations have gone to organizations focused on environmental protection and public education.