S Diz Consulting

In today’s online forum hosted by the Chronicle of Philanthropy at 2 PM EST, notable figures in the philanthropic community came together to discuss how MacKenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates are transforming the landscape of giving. I had the privilege of attending this insightful session, alongside Jim Rendon, COP; Kendra Davenport, CEO of Easterseals; Dr. Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change; and Dr. Elisha Smith Arrillaga, CEO of the Center for Effective Philanthropy.

MacKenzie Scott has revolutionized philanthropy by donating over $16 billion to nonprofits since 2019. Her approach is refreshingly different, as her gifts come without the usual strings attached—no onerous reporting requirements or programmatic requests. This unrestricted style of giving has allowed recipients to use the funds in ways that best suit their immediate needs, creating a significant positive impact. While Scott’s method has its critics, the sheer scale and flexibility of her donations have undeniably sent shock waves through the philanthropic world.

On the other hand, Melinda French Gates, after more than two decades of impactful grantmaking with the Gates Foundation, resigned as co-chair in June and is now independently giving away $12.5 billion. With an initial pledge of $1 billion to fund gender equity work worldwide, French Gates is set to potentially flip the philanthropic script even more dramatically than Scott.

The forum delved into the unique and transformative giving philosophies of these two powerhouse philanthropists. We explored how Scott’s and French Gates’ approaches align and differ, and what their priorities reveal about the future of philanthropy. It was enlightening to see how their individual strategies are challenging traditional philanthropic norms and fostering a more equitable distribution of resources.

As a grant consultant at S Diz Consulting, it is crucial to stay informed about such shifts in the philanthropic landscape. Understanding the evolving priorities and methodologies of major donors like Scott and French Gates can significantly enhance the strategies we employ for our clients.

Thank you to the Chronicle of Philanthropy for hosting this event for free, providing the grants community with invaluable insights. This forum was a testament to the dynamic and rapidly changing world of philanthropy, reminding us all of the importance of adaptability and innovation in our work.