The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) in Wasilla, Alaska, has announced a one-time, unrestricted donation of $15 million from philanthropist and Giving Pledger MacKenzie Scott.

The foundation, which shares management of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, works to improve the health and wellness of communities in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley and uses its grantmaking to address the underlying causes of health inequities across the region.

While the funds have yet to be allocated for specific programs, the unsolicited gift is well timed as MSHF begins to implement the recommendations of a 2021 community health needs assessment, which calls for a data-driven, strategic, and community-driven investment in five key areas: healthy aging, families, foundations, futures, and minds. In 2021, the foundation awarded more than $13 million in grants to health and human service organizations and $2 million in academic and vocational scholarships.

“We are grateful for this generous gift from Ms. Scott,” said MSHF board chair Lebron McPhail. “It’s meaningful recognition of the work we are doing to improve the way systems work for Mat-Su residents and to eliminate the underlying causes of health inequities. We share this honor with the health and human services nonprofits in Mat-Su that continue to innovate and provide supports to Mat-Su residents and communities so they can thrive.”

(Photo credit: Chris Arend)