MacKenzie Scott Gives Historic $45 Million to The Trevor Project

MacKenzie Scott, the philanthropist and author, has made a significant contribution of $45 million to The Trevor Project, marking the largest donation in the organization’s history. This substantial gift arrives at a critical juncture for the nonprofit, which has faced numerous internal challenges, including management changes and funding cuts. The donation aims to bolster the organization’s mission of supporting LGBTQ+ young people through its crisis hotline and other vital services.

The Trevor Project, known for its dedicated support of LGBTQ+ youth, has continued to serve a large audience despite recent funding difficulties. The organization reported that it annually reaches about 250,000 young people through its independent hotline and another 250,000 via the 988 service tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration noted that over 1.5 million contacts were routed through the 988 service between September 2022 and July 2025.

This generous donation is particularly timely following a tumultuous period for The Trevor Project, which saw its budget rise from $4 million in 2016 to over $83 million in 2023. The organization has struggled with significant funding cuts, losing $25 million in funding and experiencing layoffs as it navigated rapid growth. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, expressed astonishment at the gift, stating, “I literally could not believe it, and it took some time. I actually gasped,” when they were informed of Scott’s contribution.

Scott’s donation was not included in the disclosures she provided on her website in December, which detailed her philanthropy throughout 2025. Previously, she had donated $6 million to The Trevor Project in 2020. The recent gift signifies a strong endorsement of the organization’s commitment to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly during challenging times.

The Trevor Project’s leadership has been proactive in addressing its financial issues. After losing federal funding related to the 988 service, the organization launched an emergency fundraiser that has raised approximately $20 million to date. Black noted that this initiative demonstrated their determination to adapt and thrive, saying, “MacKenzie Scott’s folks were clear; this gift was made for long-term impact.”

Scholars have pointed out that rapid growth can often lead to financial instability for nonprofits. Thad Calabrese, a professor at New York University who studies nonprofit financial management, noted that while diversifying revenue streams can reduce dependence on a few funders, it can also strain an organization’s management capacity. He emphasized the importance of stability in public funding, stating, “The reality is you are now also open to changing political fortunes.”

Scott has gained recognition for her approach to philanthropy, providing large unrestricted gifts to organizations focused on social equity and justice. Her methodology often excludes traditional funding requests, allowing her to invest in organizations without the constraints of project proposals. Despite concerns regarding the sustainability of her large donations, research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy indicates that these fears have not materialized significantly.

Elisha Smith Arrillaga, vice president of research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy, remarked on Scott’s unique approach, saying, “People make all different kinds of investments because they really believe in the outcomes that organization can make and what their gifts can do to help accelerate that.”

In an essay published alongside her 2025 donations, Scott reflected on the underestimated potential of non-transactional contributions, suggesting that vulnerabilities in organizations can also be seen as opportunities for generosity. Black called Scott’s second gift “a powerful validation” of The Trevor Project’s mission, framing it as a pivotal moment for the organization’s future.

As The Trevor Project continues to navigate its evolving challenges, this historic donation from MacKenzie Scott may serve as a crucial lifeline, enabling it to reaffirm its commitment to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across the nation.