How MacKenzie Scott’s Transformational Gift is Powering Rise Up Together
In 2021, Rise Up Together received a transformational multimillion-dollar gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This extraordinary investment came at a pivotal moment for our organization and has helped fuel our successful transition to become an independent nonprofit.
Unlike traditional grants, which are tied to specific programs or activities, this gift was unrestricted – meaning we could direct it where it was needed most. For nonprofits, this kind of support is rare and invaluable. It gave our team the flexibility to dream bigger, plan strategically, and invest in the long-term strength of our work. Most importantly, it enabled us to launch a bold new strategic plan that expanded our ability to reach millions more women and girls around the world. By investing in our programs, operations, and leadership, we built a strong foundation that ensures girls and women stay healthy, finish school, overcome violence, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
MacKenzie Scott’s unrestricted, trust-based approach to philanthropy has been widely recognized for reshaping the nonprofit sector. We were honored to be included in her giving and proud to share our reflections on the impact of her generosity in the Los Angeles Times and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
For Rise Up Together, this gift has meant far more than financial support. It has been a powerful vote of confidence in our mission and our team. This gift has enabled us to pursue our vision with renewed courage and ambition, ensuring that our transition to an independent 501(c)(3) is not just possible, but strong and sustainable.
As we celebrate this next chapter, we recognize that our success is built on the trust and belief of supporters like MacKenzie Scott who share our vision for a more just and equitable world. Her generosity is already multiplying impact, helping unlock opportunities for women, girls, and allies to rise into their own power and positively transform their lives, their communities, and their countries.
Together, we are building a future where everyone can thrive – and transformational support like this helps make it all possible.
