Jewish Vocational Services Boston reported the largest single donation in the organization’s history Thursday, a $7 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“This extraordinary gift is a profound endorsement of the long-term impact we aim to make at JVS,” said JVS Boston CEO Kira Khazatsky. “It will allow us to not only sustain but also grow our efforts to support individuals and families on their path to economic mobility. This investment ensures we can continue our mission for generations to come.”
JVS Boston, a non-profit, nonsectarian organization founded in 1938, provides adult education and workforce development services and partners with employers in hiring, targeting economically disadvantaged adults.
The organization said the contribution will go to providing “long-term sustainability” and supporting initiatives in a new strategic plan, including “expanding access to workforce training, deepening community partnerships, and creating innovative solutions to workforce challenges.”
JVS Boston reported nearly $27 million in contributions and grants and just over $30 million in revenue in 2023, according to tax filings.
“MacKenzie Scott’s investment in JVS Boston ensures that we will be here to meet the needs of our community not just today, but for many years to come,” said Trine Lustig, Chief Advancement Officer of JVS Boston.
The organization offers an array of programs, including English language learning services, career building tools, financial coach, refugee and immigrant aid, and disability services.
MacKenzie Scott, a novelist, billionaire philanthropist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made the donation as part of her “Giving Pledge” from 2019, committing to supporting nonprofit organizations. JVS representatives said the donation is “transformative” and “unrestricted.”
Over the last several years, Scott has donated over $17 billion to over 2,300 non-profit teams, according to her website Yield Giving.
