Nashville organizations are getting $9 million from MacKenzie Scott's 'Yield Giving.' See the list
Five non-profit organizations in Nashville have been awarded several millions from Yield Giving, the organization founded by billionaire philanthropist and author, MacKenzie Scott. Scott is also the former spouse of Amazon founder and executive, Jeff Bezos.
The non-profits focus on a variety of causes throughout Music City, ranging from humanitarian assistance, immigrant and refugee rights, mental and behavioral health, food security and more.
The awarded organizations were chosen from a pool of over 6,000 applicants. Out of the thousands of applicants, only 361 organizations were chosen. Among the recipients was The Nashville Food Project, an organization which aims to alleviate hunger and build community. They participated in an open call to be considered for the gift in March of 2023.
"We are so grateful to Yield Giving for choosing The Nashville Food Project for this generous gift, an affirmation of the work we do every day to grow, cook and share nourishing food with the goals of cultivating community, alleviating hunger, and creating a just and sustainable food system for everyone in our city," said Nashville Food Project Director of Communications, Mary Kay Grant on Wednesday. "This recognition by Yield Giving is a tremendous honor."
In a press release, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell said that the Nashville Food Project is a critical partner in the city's efforts to address hunger and reduce food waste. He called the award a reflection of the considerable impact the organization is making in Nashville.
"Support from Yield Giving will amplify The Nashville Food Project’s important work to engage the community around achieving a sustainable and just food system where less food goes to landfills and more food goes to people who need it," added O'Connell.
On Tuesday, Scott said that the awarded organizations were elevated by their peers and a round-2 evaluation panel for their "outstanding work advancing the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles."
Scott said she is grateful for everyone who played a role in creating a pathway to support people working to improve access to foundational resources in their communities.
"They are vital agents of change," she said. Nashville organizations received a total combined sum of $9,000,000.
Yield Giving's awards are unrestricted, meaning that it does not dictate the ways organizations must use the funds. The Nashville Food Project said that the gift is an opportunity to engage the community as they discern strategic investments that will create lasting change in the local food system.
In 2022, Scott gave $20 million to Meharry Medical College.
Which Nashville organizations were awarded? How much did they receive?
Mending Hearts - Mending Hearts is an addiction treatment center for women. They offer long term treatment programs which offer hope and healing in a supportive environment, regardless of patients ability to pay. They were awarded $2,000,000.
NICE (Nashville International Center for Empowerment) - The Nashville International Center for Empowerment helps refugees and immigrants in their journey to settling in a new city far away from home. The organization's goal is to empower them with the resources and opportunities needed to be successful in Nashville. They were awarded $2,000,000.
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) - The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is a statewide organization which advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees in the state. Their vision is a stronger, more inclusive Tennessee where people of all backgrounds can thrive, regardless of their immigration status, nationality or racial identity. They were awarded $2,000,000.
The Nashville Food Project - The Nashville Food Project's mission is to bring people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food. The organization was born from the belief that everyone should have access to the food they need. They were awarded $1,000,000.
Nurses for Newborns - Nurses for Newborns works to provide comprehensive in-home nurse visiting services, access to healthcare, parenting education and connections to critical resources to marginalized, low-income, underserved caregivers and families. They were awarded $2,000,000.
What is Yield Giving?
The organization was established to share financial fortune. The name Yield Giving comes from the belief of adding value by giving up control. Since its founding, the organization has granted over $17,300,000,000 to more than 2,300 nonprofits.
Yield Giving conducts research to identify candidate organizations working to advance the opportunities of people in underserved communities. They then evaluate organizations taking into consideration their size, geography, evidence of outcomes and more. The process is done discreetly and anonymously to avoid diverting the nonprofits from their work.
Organizations can also apply by participating in an open call and completing an online application.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MacKenzie Scott awards millions to these Nashville organizations
