Photo by Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area

Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area announced today that it is not among those receiving a portion of the $436 million donation from MacKenzie Scott to the Habitat for Humanity organization.

“While Habitat Greater Fresno Area is not among the lucky affiliates selected to receive funds from this generous donation, we enthusiastically celebrate this gift as it helps further Habitat’s mission of building homes, community, and hope,” said a statement from Ashley Hedermann, interim CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area.

Scott, formerly married to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, announced Tuesday that $436 million would be donated to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping communities improve their infrastructure by building houses, renovating existing units and providing disaster relief, among other services.

Scott has donated roughly $3.8 billion to various charities since June 2021, and has donated more than $12 billion since her divorce from Bezos.

Habitat for Humanity received roughly $325 million in donations during the 2020 fiscal year; Scott’s donation amounts to almost 8% of those total donations according to an AP report announcing the donation.

Despite not being eligible for the donation, Habitat Greater Fresno Area announced that Scott’s donation is appreciated, but the Central Valley’s critical need for affordable housing still weighs heavily on the organization, which has plans to build homes in rural communities as well as in the City of Fresno.

“Over the next two years, Greater Fresno Area plans to build homes in the rural communities of Riverdale and Firebaugh as well as in the City of Fresno,” the press release said. “Your support, as always, remains appreciated.”

Visit the Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area website for more information or to donate.

In June 2021, Porterville College was the recipient of $7 million gift from Scott.

Porterville College receives $7M from high-profile donor