MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated 20 million US dollars (around Rs 191 crore) to Active Minds. This US-based non-profit organisation works to improve youth mental health. It is the largest donation in the organisation’s history. The unrestricted grant comes at a time when mental health challenges among young people in the United States are increasing. According to Fortune, nearly one in five American teenagers has experienced suicidal thoughts.
Purpose of the Donation
According to Active Minds, the donation will help begin a new chapter in youth mental health support. The organisation plans to expand programmes that encourage young people to speak openly about mental health, reduce stigma, and improve access to support in schools, colleges and local communities across the US.
The organisation said the funding comes at a crucial time, as demand for mental health services is rising while many non-profit organisations are facing financial pressure.

Unrestricted Grant Gives Flexibility
Since the donation comes with no conditions attached, Active Minds can use the money wherever it is needed most. The funds will be used to expand campus programmes, train youth leaders and strengthen community outreach efforts. The organisation described Scott’s contribution as a transformational investment that will help create a future in which every young person understands that mental health is an important part of overall well-being.
Why This Donation Matters
The donation comes as concerns over youth mental health continue to grow in the United States. According to Fortune, nearly 20 percent of American teenagers have had suicidal thoughts, highlighting the need for better mental health education, early support and stronger peer networks.
MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropic Work
MacKenzie Scott has an estimated net worth of 35.8 billion US dollars and has become one of the world’s leading philanthropists since 2019.
Through her charitable initiative Yield Giving, she has donated more than 26 billion US dollars to over 2,700 non-profit organisations. Her donations are mostly unrestricted grants, allowing organisations to decide how to use the funds based on their own priorities.
Earlier this year, Scott also made major donations to other organisations working in the mental health sector, reflecting her continued commitment to supporting community-based solutions to social challenges.
First published on: Jul 13, 2026 11:21 PM IST
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