$25 Million United Way Donation From MacKenzie Scott

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI—United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County announced Tuesday a generous $25 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

“We are so proud to say that after all of her research, Ms. Scott chose our United Way for her donation,” said Amy Lindner, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “This is a powerful affirmation of the work that is being done by community volunteers, our partner nonprofits, businesses, and individuals throughout our community. It’s because of our work together, MacKenzie Scott chose us to receive this incredible gift.”

The donation will help with work on improving racial equality, homelessness and improving education.

"This is a powerful affirmation of work that is already being done by so many of you viewing this today," Amy Lindner, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, said in the Zoom announcement.

Lindner added thanks to this donation and community contributions, the organization is able to strengthen its efforts and impact.

Highlights of the outlined initiatives that will be supported by the donation include:

• Creation of a racial equity portfolio: The mission is to foster long-term stability of Black and Brown-led organizations by providing multi-year, general operating grants.
• Continued investments in Safe & Stable Homes initiative: The goal of the initiative is to end family homelessness in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. United Way previously stated a goal to achieve this by 2025, but now have adjusted this goal to accomplish this by 2023.
• Expanding the nationally recognized Community Schools: In partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools, United Way is currently working with twelve community schools. They will add three new schools to increase the reach of a proven educational strategy.

• Address the COVID-19 academic slide by offering robust, accessible academic opportunities over the summer.

United Way is working with several education and youth development partners to determine how to best reach students who have fallen behind and how to help them catch up.

To read more about how the donation is being used visit the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County's website.