# Mackenzie Scott gives $50M to Native Forward Scholars Fund

2026-08-07T13:26:55+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

MacKenzie Scott has donated $50 million to Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest single gift in the organisation's 57-year history. The fund will use $10 million over five years to expand scholarships, adding about $2 million annually, while $40 million goes into a permanent endowment for future support. The unrestricted donation is Scott's second major gift to Native Forward; she gave $20 million in 2020. The organisation, which supports Native American students, says demand is at its highest. Even after financial aid, the average scholar faces an unmet need of $26,000. Applications jumped 35% after the donation was announced. Native Forward currently funds about 1,000 of nearly 7,000 qualified applicants each year. Its undergraduate graduation rate is 69%, well above the 41% national average for Native students.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/mackenzie-scott-gave-native-forward-50-million-it-will-spend-10-million-on-scholarships-and-place-40-million-in-a-permanent-endowment/articleshow/133031242.cms>

Tags: education funding, endowment, Mackenzie Scott, Native American scholarships, Native Forward Scholars Fund, philanthropy
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