The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) is deeply honored to receive an extraordinary unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—one of the most transformative investments in our organization’s history.
We are profoundly grateful to Ms. Scott for her generosity and for her recognition of the great impact and urgent role of women-led, evidence-driven organizations that protect and empower displaced women and girls around the world.
“MacKenzie Scott’s remarkable generosity comes at a critical moment for women and girls around the world,” said Sarah Costa, Executive Director of the Women’s Refugee Commission. “This gift not only strengthens WRC’s capacity to respond to acute crises and advance long-term solutions—it also reaffirms the power and importance of investing in women’s leadership. When women and girls are supported and their rights protected, entire communities thrive.”
At a time when humanitarian funding is shrinking and women’s rights are under threat, this gift is more than financial support—it is a powerful affirmation of WRC’s mission and impact. Unrestricted funding of this kind is especially vital to enable WRC to respond swiftly to crises, innovate to meet new challenges, and sustain programs that drive long-term, systemic change. Its inherent flexibility strengthens our ability to center the rights, safety, and leadership of displaced women and girls.
“Ms. Scott’s fierce commitment to make the world a better place and her transformative generosity mean that WRC can now ramp up its life-changing work to meet the needs of displaced, refugee, and migrant women and girls around the world,” stated Alex Arriaga, WRC Board Co-Chair. WRC will leverage this gift to strengthen our capacity to serve as a witness to the struggles of women and girls, amplify their voices, and act on their recommendations so that humanitarian systems better respond to their needs.
In an era of growing global challenges, Ms. Scott’s act of trust and generosity fuels hope and reinforces a simple truth: When we invest in women and girls, we build stronger, more just communities for all. “MacKenzie Scott is redefining philanthropy and demonstrating the true impact of trust-based gifts,” noted Ivonne Dersch, WRC Board Co-Chair.” This transformative investment will help WRC deepen its impact, expand its reach, and shape policies that advance equality and human rights worldwide.