Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has significantly reduced her holdings in Amazon.com Inc., cutting her stake by 42% over the past year.
According to a regulatory filing dated September 30, 2025, Scott now owns 81.1 million Amazon shares, down from 139 million shares the previous year. Based on Amazon’s closing price on Tuesday, the decrease is valued at approximately $12.6 billion.
Massive Share Reduction Linked to Philanthropy
Scott’s reduction in Amazon shares continues her long-standing pattern of using her wealth to fund charitable causes. At 55 years old, she has become one of the world’s most generous donors, often making large, unrestricted donations to nonprofit organisations.
In 2024, she gave $2 billion to 199 organisations, according to her Yield Giving platform. Over the past five years, her total philanthropic donations have reached $19.25 billion, making her one of the most active philanthropists globally.
While the filing did not specify whether her reduced stake came from stock sales or gifts, analysts suggest the move aligns with her ongoing strategy of redirecting wealth toward social impact initiatives. Requests for comment from Scott or her representatives were not immediately returned.
Background: Divorce and Wealth Management
Scott’s Amazon holdings trace back to her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, where she received roughly 4% of Amazon’s shares as part of the settlement. Despite the transfer, Bezos retained voting control over those shares and remains responsible for disclosing them annually.
Even with her active giving, Scott’s net worth remains substantial. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, her fortune was valued at $41.2 billion before the latest share reduction. The appreciation of Amazon’s stock over the years has helped offset her large-scale donations.
A Record of Consistent Giving
Scott’s charitable journey has been marked by a steady stream of large donations:
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November 2024: She sold $8 billion worth of Amazon shares to support charities across the United States.
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2023: She divested about $10 billion in shares and gave $12 million to Howard University College of Medicine.
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March 2022: She donated $436 million to Habitat for Humanity, supporting affordable housing projects worldwide.
At one point, Scott’s net worth reportedly surged by $10.5 billion, according to Forbes, thanks to Amazon’s rising market value — even as she continued her giving spree.
A Distinct Approach to Philanthropy
Unlike many billionaire philanthropists who launch foundations or impose strict reporting standards, Scott’s approach is unique. She focuses on direct, trust-based giving, allowing nonprofits greater freedom to use funds as they see fit.
Experts say her model has influenced global discussions about efficient, high-impact philanthropy, particularly for small and mid-sized organisations often overlooked by traditional donors.
Impact on Amazon and Beyond
Scott’s $12.6 billion reduction represents one of the largest single-year decreases among Amazon’s major shareholders. Despite her divestment, her remaining holdings still represent a massive personal fortune, buoyed by Amazon’s continued stock market gains.
Her actions underscore a dual focus — sustaining wealth through strategic asset management while driving large-scale social change through philanthropy.
With her ongoing commitment to giving, MacKenzie Scott continues to redefine what billionaire philanthropy looks like in the modern era — one rooted in generosity, trust, and impact rather than publicity.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
