Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott awards Mary Black Foundation $8 million
November 16, 2022
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $8 million to the Mary Black Foundation, supporting the organization’s mission to invest in people and communities for improved health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC.
Molly Talbot-Metz, President & CEO for Mary Black Foundation said: “The Foundation is incredibly grateful for this unexpected gift. We’ve heard of national organizations receiving large gifts from Ms. Scott but had not anticipated our Foundation – serving one county in SC – would be the beneficiary of such generosity. We are so proud of the work we do every day, and that our results attracted the attention of a global philanthropist.”
The Mary Black Foundation has been making an impact on Spartanburg County since it was formed over 25 years ago. The Foundation has provided over $65 million in grants to support early childhood education, healthy environments, trails and recreational facilities, accessible and affordable healthcare, and safe and supportive neighborhoods. The results of those investments have had a transformational impact that can be seen throughout Spartanburg County.
Gregg Wade, the Foundation’s Board chair, noted: “Ms. Scott and her team thoroughly researched our organization and its financials, leadership, and strategic plan before making their decision. It is a testament to our current and former staff and Board of Trustees that the Foundation was chosen for this tremendous gift.”
With the funding from MacKenzie Scott, the Foundation will develop a strategic initiative aligned with its current goals to advance health equity, expand impact investing, and increase grantmaking that helps people overcome barriers and achieve positive health outcomes.
“The amazing thing about Ms. Scott’s philanthropy is that she trusts those of us working within communities to know the unique needs of our residents and to develop the most effective solutions,” said Talbot-Metz. “The funding will allow us to accelerate our work to ensure that all people in Spartanburg County have the opportunities to achieve health and wellbeing.”
Additional information about the Foundation is available at www.maryblackfoundation.org.
