YWCA South Florida Receives Transformative Gift From Billionaire Philanthropist Mackenzie Scott
Transformational Gift Serves as a Catalyst for the Organization’s Racial and Social Justice Work Across South Florida
MIAMI (December 18, 2020) – YWCA South Florida is proud to announce the organization has received a historic $2 million contribution from billionaire venture philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. For the 100-year-old organization in South Florida, whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, this comes at a pivotal time. Having recently expanded programs and services to meet evolving community challenges across both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, YWCA South Florida will use this gift to fuel the necessary growth to meet increased demand and operational support in accelerating its social impact.“This generous donation will boost YWCA South Florida’s efforts to continue the critical social justice work our community needs, and ultimately help more people, as we innovate to address inequities and complex issues facing those we serve,” said Kelly-Ann Cartwright, Board Chair for YWCA South Florida.Planning is underway to deploy the funds most effectively. The gift coincides with YWCA South Florida’s growth capital campaign to raise $11 million to support critical investments in human capital, program and service expansion, research, financial security, racial justice work and the redevelopment of the organization’s footprint in Overtown.This gift is part of Scott’s announcement of $4.15 billion in contributions to 384 organizations from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. Starting with a roster of 6,490 organizations, Scott worked with a team of advisors and hundreds of experts, and took a data-driven approach to identify the final recipient organizations, which all possess strong leadership teams and results and directly help marginalized groups and those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.“What an amazing act! MacKenzie Scott’s gift is a vote of her confidence in the nonprofit sector, YWCA South Florida’s work and the strategic use of the resources to propel sustained change,’’ said Kerry-Ann Royes, CEO and President at YWCA South Florida. “We are proud to be recognized as one of the nation’s organizations demonstrating high potential for impact and hope that her generosity inspires others to join in this expansive, critical work.”In addition to YWCA South Florida, four other South Florida-based organizations received support: United Way of Miami-Dade County, United Way of Broward County, Easter Seals of South Florida and Meals on Wheels of South Florida.
About YWCA South Florida
Now in its 100th year, YWCA South Florida is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Affirming the motto, “Everything for HER,” YWCA South Florida is a leading voice for women, girls and all marginalized individuals across South Florida. Programs and services in economic empowerment, personal and family wellness, early education and youth development seek to eliminate the social justice issues that disproportionately affect women and people of color. Find out more at YWCASouthFlorida.org. Follow YWCA South Florida on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.