Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott is turning into a magician who can turn lives around with a simple flick, and that’s exactly what she is doing, and brilliantly so! An unsuspecting career-building nonprofit was at the receiving end of this untameable generosity that landed them with $4 million. Interestingly, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative didn’t apply for a grant, but her eagle-eyed team discovered those in need who are doing commendable work. The donation is being made through Mackenzie Scott’s philanthropic organization, Yield Giving.
“Every neighborhood in Philadelphia exudes talent, and this investment will accelerate the work of the Skills Initiative to connect unstoppable local talent to life-changing opportunity,” University City District president Matt Bergheiser said in a press release. Not only is $4 million a lot of money to grow, but it also comes with no strings attached on how the money is spent. It will give WPSI the space and agency to expand their team, increase scholarships, and offer covering unpaid bills or fees.’
Cait Garozzo, executive director of the nonprofit West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, shared the biggest challenge faced by participants during the transitioning period from long-term unemployment to a professional career. They need support in the form of finding transportation, child care, etc., “How do we take care of your whole family and your whole support system, so you can take care of yourself and contribute more fully to that support system?” Garozzo said, per Inquirer.
“Those are all things that we’ve been dying to do, and this money gives us an opportunity to be really critical and understand how we can have an impact in that space.” In 2023, WPSI worked with 200 individuals, with 91% of those securing jobs because of their experience with the organization. “We work with [residents] to prepare them not just for the role but the interview and the career that comes after that first role,” Garozzo said. With an inflow of a whopping $4 million, there is so much the organization can achieve.
While the world is patting Scott’s back for her philanthropic endeavors, not all are singing her praises. In fact, Tesla CEO Elon Musk outrightly criticized Scott for donating billions of dollars to charities. He went on to harshly state, “Super rich ex-wives who hate their former spouse’ should file [sic] be listed among ‘Reasons that Western Civilization died,” Musk replied, according to an archived version of the now-deleted post.
Why is Mackenzie Scott receiving flak when her ex-husband Jeff Bezos is also spending similar amounts monthly, albeit on the maintenance of his luxury vessel, the $500 million megayacht Koru, and its $75 million support vessel Abeona (with annual maintenance costs ranging between $50 and $60 million)? Could this be considered a symptom of the decline of humanity?
