MacKenzie Scott Donates $20M to Active Minds to Combat Youth Mental Health Crisis

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $20 million to Active Minds, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and education for young adults and students. The gift is among the largest ever received by the organization.

Active Minds, which works to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health on college campuses and in communities, said the funding will help expand its programs and reach more young people. The organization has chapters at over 800 schools nationwide.

Scott, who has given billions to various causes since signing the Giving Pledge in 2019, selected Active Minds for its track record in addressing the youth mental health crisis. The donation comes amid rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among adolescents and young adults.

Active Minds plans to use the funds to launch new initiatives, including peer support training and digital resources, to better serve students and young adults. The organization's CEO said the gift will accelerate efforts to ensure no young person struggles alone.

Scott's donation is unrestricted, allowing Active Minds to allocate the money where it is most needed. The nonprofit said it will also invest in research and advocacy to improve mental health policies at the state and federal levels.