#United States #New York #Youth Mental Health #JED Foundation #MacKenzie Scott

The Jed Foundation's Groundbreaking $40 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

On December 5, 2025, The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of teens and young adults, announced a historic $40 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This unprecedented gift stands as a testament to the dire need for enhanced mental health resources, particularly in the wake of rising suicide rates among youth. Having previously donated $15 million in 2022, Scott's latest contribution represents the largest single gift in the foundation's history.

The timing of this donation couldn't be more critical. Suicide rates have alarmingly increased among individuals aged 10 to 34, making it the second leading cause of death in this age group. Recent statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlight that over 2.6 million adolescents aged 12-17 seriously contemplated suicide in the past year, with approximately 1.2 million making specific plans. Furthermore, nearly 700,000 attempted suicide. However, the proportion of philanthropic health spending directed toward mental health is starkly low, capturing a mere 0.5% of total health care funding.

John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation, expressed profound gratitude for Scott's transformative generosity, recognizing her gift as a significant endorsement of their mission. He emphasized that the funding would enable the organization to strategically expand its impact over the next five to eight years, ensuring a long-lasting and meaningful change for youth across the nation.

Adee Shepen, JED's chief growth officer, reiterated the importance of community support in achieving their mission. With the philanthropic community's backing, JED aims to equip young individuals with crucial emotional resilience skills while promoting mental well-being on a larger scale. For over 25 years, JED has positively affected more than seven million students through partnerships with over 550 colleges and additional high schools, thereby establishing a robust network for mental health support.

The foundation's comprehensive approach includes programs that directly address mental health issues, substance misuse, and suicide prevention. An analysis of a decade's worth of data from schools involved in the JED Campus program has demonstrated substantial improvements in student mental health, with significant reductions in suicidal thoughts and plans. Moreover, students reported improved anxiety and depression scores and increased likelihood of graduation.

Founded by Phil and Donna Satow after losing their son Jed to suicide during his college years, The Jed Foundation was established to create a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention in educational settings. This initiative emerged in response to a glaring lack of mental health resources and awareness, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

Reflecting on the profound impact of Scott's donation, co-founder Phil Satow highlighted that such generosity has the potential to transform countless lives, thereby preventing other families from enduring the heartache they experienced. The essence of their mission remains focused on empowering the youth and providing them with the emotional tools necessary to navigate challenges throughout their lives.

For more information on The Jed Foundation or to access resources for supporting the emotional health of teens and young adults, visit jedfoundation.org. With this generous contribution, JED aims to extend its reach and deepen its impact, forging a path towards a future where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all youth.

About The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the emotional health of teenagers and young adults, while striving to prevent suicide. Through collaborative efforts with schools, colleges, and community organizations, JED provides essential support for mental health initiatives and substance abuse prevention programs. By fostering a culture of awareness, understanding, and proactive action, The Jed Foundation empowers youth to thrive emotionally and socially.