MacKenzie Scott’s Foundation makes $1.8 million unsolicited gift to Legal Services of Greater Miami
Monica Vigues-Pitan
MacKenzie Scott who has pledged to give most of her fortune to champion important causes, has gifted Legal Services of Greater Miami (Legal Services) $1.8 million.
Scott has donated over $14 billion to more than 1,600 nonprofit organizations through Yield Giving, the foundation she established in 2020. She assembled a team to help her connect and vet nonprofit organizations that are making a significant impact in a variety of areas.
Legal Services did not apply for this funding; therefore, it came as the greatest, most unexpected surprise, according the Legal Services.
At present, Yield Giving’s website does not list any local legal aid programs as gift recipients, and thus Legal Services is proud to be recognized as a leading local organization, said CEO Monica Vigues-Pitan.
“We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to MacKenzie Scott and the Yield Giving team for choosing to support Legal Services,” said Vigues-Pitan. “We are deeply honored to be recognized in such a meaningful way.”
According to the most recent study of the justice gap by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), “low-income Americans do not receive any or enough legal help for a staggering 92% of their substantial civil legal problems.”
Vigues-Pitan says since 2020, Legal Services has grown to meet the increasing community need and demand for its services and these funds will better position the organization to sustain its growth and retain its team of attorneys and staff.
“Legal Services is proud of the tireless dedication of the team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, and this gift recognizes their extraordinary efforts,” Vigues-Pitan said.
Legal Services announced the gift to hundreds of supporters during its annual pro bono celebration held on October 26.
