An Alexandria nonprofit recently announced that it has been awarded a $2 million grant from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Fund.
The $2 million grant for Friends of Guest House is a lifesaver, executive director Sonja Allen said in a statement. Allen said that the funds won’t solve all of the nonprofit’s challenges, but that it will make a difference in helping women reenter society after incarceration.
“This transformative grant from Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Giving is a testament to the dedication and impact of our organization over the past five decades,” Allen said. “We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary gesture of support that will enable us to strengthen our programs, reach more women in need, and create lasting positive change in our community.”
Friends of Guest House is one of 361 nonprofits that were awarded funds, out of more than 6,300 applicants, after the open call for community led and focused organizations was announced.
“While we are immensely joyful for this generous grant, our work is far from over,” Allen said. “This grant will not solve the problem of the lack of resources and grace available to our women as they reenter our community. But it is a lifesaver. To be blunt, this transformative gift came at the most opportune time to help make our mission more sustainable for the future.”
Scott is the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and recently made national headlines when she announced that she was giving away $640 million from her fortune to nonprofits.
