Owner of Amazon and 2022’s third-richest man in the world, Jeff Bezos, and his wife of 25 years, Mackenzie Scott, divorced in 2019. The divorce settlement was finalized with a $38 billion share going to Scott.
A devout philanthropist, Scott has since pledged to donate the majority of her divorce settlement, with a promise of $50 million to the National 4-H Council.
Donation Plans
The council announced on Wednesday its intentions for the first phase of plans for the unrestricted gift.
Following six months of “extensive” input from industry leaders at universities and cooperative extension offices, the council has decided, over the course of the next five years, $10 million will be dedicated to workforce and program development plans that include:
• An expansion of the 4-H Positive Youth Development Academy
• A new world-class leadership development program
• A youth-attracting digital platform, Clover by 4-H
• New tools for employee and volunteer retention
• More in-person youth experiences
• An Applied Research Study to “improve” 4-H program quality
According to the council, the remaining $30 million will be preserved to “sustain” preexisting programs and activities.
A Time of Need
Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of the National 4-H Council, says Scott’s donation came at a good time.
“25 million young people do not have access to positive youth development opportunities, which can provide the tools needed to realize their full potential,” she says. “Many are struggling in areas ranging from academics to mental well-being to developing social connections with others.”
With the use of Scott’s donation, Sirangelo says her team will help “bridge this opportunity gap” and offer support for America’s youth in a time of a need.
More on 4-H:
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4-H Pig Sells for $17,500 in Memory of Madison Lee
