Jeff Bezos, the co-founder of Amazon, generously contributed $2 million to the ACLU of Alabama and an additional $1 million to support the First Light homeless shelter.
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has generously donated a total of $3 million to two non-profit organizations in Alabama.
Scott’s organization, Yield Giving, recently announced the distribution of $640 million in donations to various organizations. As part of this initiative, the ACLU of Alabama received $2 million, while the First Light homeless shelter was granted $1 million. This generous funding is a testament to Scott’s commitment to supporting these important causes.
The ACLU of Alabama stated that the donation will enable them to strengthen their key objectives, including protecting voting rights, promoting gender equality, and advocating for criminal justice reform.
According to JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist, the executive director of the ACLU of Alabama, this generous donation serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of investing in the Deep South. Gilchrist emphasizes the crucial role that organizations like the ACLU of Alabama play in speaking up, showing up, and resisting the harmful actions of lawmakers. She expresses gratitude for the support received from Ms. Scott and acknowledges the endorsement from fellow advocates, affirming the necessity of their shared vision, strategic approach, and unwavering commitment.
First Light, a shelter located in Birmingham, is dedicated to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. It is operated by a group of volunteers from different churches and organizations. The shelter offers emergency housing, as well as support and resources to help those in need.
In March 2023, Yield Giving initiated an “Open Call” to invite U.S. non-profit organizations that prioritize the advancement of underprivileged communities and groups that have experienced discrimination and systemic barriers, as stated by Leverage for Change, Yield Giving’s partner. This call sparked a philanthropic movement.
According to a release by Leverage for Change, they received a whopping 6,353 applications for the 250 $1 million awards. However, due to the outstanding work of these organizations, as determined by their peers and external panelists, the donor team made the decision to increase the number of awardees and the award amount.
In terms of donations, the highest tier of organizations received a generous amount of $2 million, while another 82 organizations were fortunate enough to receive $1 million.
