4 Harlem Institutions Get Millions From MacKenzie Scott

HARLEM, NY — The latest donation spree by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott includes millions of dollars going to four prominent institutions in Harlem.

Scott, the former spouse of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced Tuesday that she was giving $2.74 billion to 286 nonprofits across the country — the latest in a series of large gifts she has distributed since pledging in 2019 to give away most of her money.

The latest recipients include Harlem's Apollo Theater, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Studio Museum in Harlem and El Museo del Barrio.

The Dance Theatre of Harlem said it received $10 million, and El Museo del Barrio got $8 million — both of which are the largest gifts in the institutions histories, they said. The Apollo did not say how much money it received.

Today we announced a historic $10 million gift from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and educator and philanthropist Dan Jewett. This gift from Ms. Scott and Mr. Jewett is the largest single contribution in DTH’s 52-year history. Read More: https://t.co/ZHkgWNTKHz
— DanceTheatreofHarlem (@DTHballet) June 16, 2021

"This incredible financial commitment to DTH will allow us to focus on the work at hand in strengthening the organization while advancing our mission-driven work," said the Dance Theatre, which is headquartered on West 152nd Street.

Patrick Charpenel, executive director of El Museo del Barrio, said the donation "represents a significant recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of more than 60 million Latinxs in this country, and of the mission and legacy" of the museum.

Scott made the donations along with her husband, Dan Jewett. At least four other New York City institutions received grants, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is based in Hell's Kitchen, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Hostos Community College in the Bronx.

@elmuseo is proud to announce an $8 million gift from philanthropist, author, and activist @mackenziescott. This transformative grant will support our work to uphold our mission and provide long-term stability. Pa’lante! pic.twitter.com/rnnonE84j4
— El Museo del Barrio (@elmuseo) June 17, 2021

The Apollo extends gracious thanks to @mackenziescott for her generous gift during such a critical time for our iconic institution, and for her ongoing efforts to empower and sustain the voices the world needs to hear. https://t.co/OZNK8oppqY
— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) June 15, 2021

Scott has promised to donate her savings "until the safe is empty," but that task has proven difficult has her fortune continues to grow through stock shares, the New York Times reported.