In November 2022, the Center for Effective Philanthropy released the results of its three-year study on the impact of McKinzie Scott’s nearly $13 billion in unrestricted giving. Titled Giving Big: The Impact of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits, an inspirational read that highlights the acceptance and use of Scott’s giving. Since its release, Scott has published a giving website to learn more about the organizations she supports.
The ripple effect created by McKinzie Scott’s philanthropy moves beyond the immediate impact of her major financial contributions and reaches deep into the hearts and minds of nonprofit leaders, igniting a shift from scarcity to abundance mindset.
For far too long, nonprofit leaders have operated in a landscape of limited resources, constantly battling the constraints of funding and struggling to meet the growing needs of their communities. But Scott’s unrestricted giving has shattered those limitations, allowing organizations to dream bigger, think bolder, and act with unwavering determination.
It takes my breath away to realize what Scott’s giving means to communities across the nation. Most of her gifts have been the largest single gift the charities have ever received. The report shares that across all recipient organizations, nonprofit leaders are reporting:
- Advancement of equity in all areas (racial, economic, health, gender, LGBTQ+)
- Expansion of mission impact
- Improved financial stability and long-term capacity
In short, the large unrestricted gifts provided are helping nonprofit leaders do what they do best, make our world a better place.
The impact of Scott’s giving extends beyond the tangible outcomes. It has triggered a fundamental shift in mindset among nonprofit leaders. The study reveals that those who have received her support are reporting a newfound sense of hope and a shift from scarcity to abundance thinking.
After years of working closely with nonprofit leaders, I have witnessed firsthand the passion, commitment, and resilience they possess. Yet, the prevailing mindset within the sector has often revolved around what is lacking. The very term “nonprofit” implies a focus on scarcity. However, Scott’s generosity has challenged this paradigm and showing leaders abundance is possible and that resources can be leveraged to create meaningful change.
This shift in mindset has the potential to reverberate beyond those accepting the check from Scott. It has the power to inspire nonprofit leaders across the world, prompting them to question their limiting beliefs and embrace the possibilities that an abundance mindset brings.
When we change the way we perceive our circumstances, our actions and outcomes change accordingly. By embracing abundance, nonprofit leaders can unlock their full potential and drive transformative change in society.
McKinzie Scott’s philanthropy represents far more than a financial contribution. It is a catalyst for change, restoring hope, and transforming the mindset of nonprofit leaders from scarcity to abundance. Through her generosity, she is not only making a profound impact on individual organizations but also inspiring a ripple effect that has the potential to reshape the nonprofit sector and create a brighter future for all.
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