The sheer scale of MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic output has redefined expectations for ultra-wealthy giving. Over the past few years, the novelist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has distributed more than $26 billion, a pace that sharply diverges from the typical approach to large-scale donations. This rapid disbursement has drawn considerable attention, prompting questions about why other billionaires, despite their immense fortunes, often engage in what some have termed “slow philanthropy.”
Research conducted by the Bridgespan Group, a global consulting firm specializing in non-profits and philanthropy, indicates a consistent pattern among the wealthiest families. In 2017, families with assets exceeding $500 million allocated approximately 1.2% of their wealth to charitable causes. When Bridgespan re-evaluated these figures in 2023, the percentage remained largely unchanged, even as these fortunes compounded significantly, often at rates comparable to or surpassing the S&P 500’s long-term average of around 9%. While the absolute dollar amounts given away have increased, the proportion of total wealth dedicated to philanthropy has remained static. This phenomenon, which Bridgespan co-founder Jeffrey Bradach calls “slow philanthropy,” suggests a disconnect between the stated philanthropic aspirations of many ultra-wealthy individuals and their actual giving practices.
Many sign the Giving Pledge, publicly committing to donate the majority of their wealth, yet follow-through often lags. The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) has criticized the Giving Pledge, describing it as “unfulfilled, unfulfillable, and not our ticket to a fairer, better future.” Their analysis reveals that three-quarters of the original U.S. Giving Pledgers who are still living retain their billionaire status, having grown wealthier since signing. Furthermore, only eight of 22 deceased Pledgers ultimately fulfilled their commitments. This pattern has not gone unnoticed by other prominent philanthropists. Melinda French Gates, for instance, has openly questioned whether her fellow billionaires are honoring their pledges, noting in a late 2025 interview with Wired, “Have they given enough? No.”
French Gates, however, has recently commended Scott for her distinctive approach, emphasizing that actions often speak louder than words in charitable endeavors. She highlighted Scott’s focus on institutions like historically Black colleges, observing that while some philanthropists may not publicize every grant, they are actively engaged in significant giving behind the scenes. Bradach himself has singled out Scott as an anomaly, labeling her the “most generous individual philanthropist of this century.” He suggests that Scott’s unique mindset is a key differentiator.
Bradach identifies several factors contributing to the slow pace of billionaire philanthropy. One significant element is a perceived aversion to risk; failure in philanthropy often feels more impactful than in investment. An investor might accept a portfolio with a few “home runs” alongside underperformers, but donors frequently scrutinize every philanthropic outlay, fixating on overhead and potential waste. This can lead to an unwillingness to delegate, with some major donors insisting on personally approving grants even when professional staff are available. Many also underestimate the capacity of non-profits to effectively utilize large sums of money. Scott, conversely, operates under a model of “trust-based philanthropy,” as noted by Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This approach involves minimal oversight and unrestricted giving, allowing recipient organizations to determine the best use of funds. Noni Ramos, CEO of Housing Trust Silicon Valley, whose organization received a $30 million gift from Scott in late 2024, underscored the empowerment this provides, enabling groups to deploy funds quickly and innovatively without the typical bureaucratic hurdles.
For many other philanthropists, the emphasis on extensive oversight and overhead can lead to delays. Bradach observes that non-profits are not only competing with each other for funding but also with a donor’s option to simply retain their wealth, potentially giving later. Without an immediate impetus, delaying charitable contributions presents no cost to the donor and is easily rationalized. While pathways like bequests and donor-advised funds, which separate the decision to commit from the decision of allocation, see free-flowing money, a deeper shift in mindset is needed to truly accelerate billionaire philanthropy. Bradach champions a return to “the gift,” an approach rooted in generosity and moral obligation rather than metrics and return on investment. Scott embodies this perspective, viewing her fortune as something to be given, not merely managed. As she wrote in her 2019 Giving Pledge letter, “My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.” Her actions continue to challenge and reshape the landscape of modern philanthropy.
