Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has announced the recipients of grants totaling nearly $2.74 billion in support of historically underserved communities.

"Because community-centered service is such a powerful catalyst and multiplier, we spent the first quarter of 2021 identifying and evaluating equity-oriented [nonprofit] teams working in areas that have been neglected," Scott wrote in a blog post. Grants were awarded to nearly three hundred "high-impact organizations in categories and communities that have been historically underfunded and overlooked," including institutions of higher education serving BIPOC and low-income students; organizations working to address discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities through interfaith support and collaboration; small and midsize arts organizations that help strengthen communities but are often overlooked by funders; organizations with local teams, leaders of color, and a specific focus on empowering women and girls; and social-sector infrastructure organizations that empower community leaders, support grassroots organizing and innovation, and measure, evaluate, and disseminate what works.

Recipients include ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, American Indian College Fund, Candid, El Museo del Barrio, Faith in Action, GivingTuesday, HIAS, the Mann Deshi Foundation, Motown Museum, Muslim Advocates, Native Americans in Philanthropy, PA'I Foundation, PEN America Writers' Emergency Fund, Race Forward, Solidaire Network, and Women's Funding Network. As with the first two rounds of grants Scott announced in July and December 2020, the gifts are unrestricted.

"Because we believe that teams with experience on the front lines of challenges will know best how to put the money to good use, we encouraged them to spend it however they choose. Many reported that this trust significantly increased the impact of the gift," wrote Scott. "There is nothing new about amplifying gifts by yielding control....It empowers receivers by making them feel valued and by unlocking their best solutions."

"It's undeniable that Native Americans are often overlooked in philanthropic giving. In 2019, just half of one percent of all philanthropic funds were directed towards Native communities," said Native Americans in Philanthropy executive director Erik Stegman. "Philanthropy is central to the culture and values of so many of our communities. This investment in our organization will help us build deeper relationships between funders and Native-led nonprofits serving our communities."