On Giving Tuesday, Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, announced a major philanthropic gift of $102.5 million to 32 nonprofits across the United States, aimed at supporting families experiencing homelessness.
The donations come from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, which has contributed over $850 million to organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam since its creation in 2018.
The fund, backed by a $2 billion commitment, focuses on two main areas: supporting existing nonprofits helping homeless families and creating tuition-free preschools in under-resourced communities.
Grants are awarded annually, giving local organizations flexibility to address immediate community needs.
Speaking about her visits to local nonprofits like Community of Hope in Washington, D.C., Sánchez Bezos recounted meeting families who had faced eviction and were given shelter, beds, and basic necessities.
“It brought tears to my eyes seeing this little baby and seeing her flourish,” she said. “Selfishly, it fills my heart meeting these families. It really, really does.” Community of Hope has previously received two grants: $5 million in 2018 and $3.75 million in 2023.
Each year, a team of advisors—including leaders from nonprofit and consulting organizations, as well as the National Alliance to End Homelessness—helps the Bezoses identify where donations can make the greatest impact.
“They know what these communities need. This is just the beginning. It’s a $2 billion commitment … and we’re going to continue doing it,” Sánchez Bezos added.
In 2022, Bezos pledged to give away the majority of his $256 billion fortune during his lifetime, citing the challenge of doing so in a strategic, effective way. His philanthropic portfolio includes the Day 1 Families Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, and the Bezos Courage and Civility Award.
Meanwhile, Bezos’s ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, has made headlines with her philanthropic efforts, donating over $20 billion in the past five years to organizations focusing on diversity, disaster recovery, and education, making her one of the most generous philanthropists alongside figures like Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund continues to prioritize immediate community needs while maintaining a long-term vision for supporting vulnerable families and expanding access to education across the United States.
