MacKenzie Scott gives $15 million to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Novelist and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has awarded Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service $15 million in donation funds, the single largest contribution in the advocacy organization’s 83-year history.

Scott announced donations to LIRS and more than 340 other organizations in a Medium post on November 14, totaling nearly $2 billion in overall donations.

According to a press release from LIRS, Scott’s $15 million donation comes as the group works to resettle Afghan refugees, people fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and asylum-seekers along the US-Mexico border.

“This unprecedented and timely gift will make a monumental difference in the lives of the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers as they strive to achieve their own American Dream,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of LIRS, in the press release.

Scott’s ex-husband, tech mogul Jeff Bezos, also revealed on November 14 his intention to donate the majority of his vast wealth to charity—although it is unclear what organizations the Amazon founder will prioritize.—Religion News Service