30 Aug 2026 03:29
What would you do with not just one but two multi-million-dollar gifts?
What happens when a nonprofit receives not one, but two transformational, unrestricted gifts worth millions of dollars? In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Xanthe Scharff, President and CEO of the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), and Havovi Waddia, Managing Director of Programs for The Freedom Fund. Both organizations have received two major gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—WRC receiving a total of $24 million and The Freedom Fund receiving a total of $95 million.
Xanthe and Havovi discuss how these unexpected gifts have transformed their organizations’ ability to think strategically, invest in frontline organizations, strengthen internal systems, and make long-term commitments to the communities they serve. They also explore the power of trust-based philanthropy, why unrestricted funding can create significantly more impact than traditional restricted grants, and what MacKenzie Scott’s approach to giving could mean for the future of nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy.
Dr. Xanthe ScharffKey Topics Include:
- How the Women’s Refugee Commission and The Freedom Fund received transformational gifts from MacKenzie Scott without applying or making a traditional funding request
- Why receiving a second major gift represents an extraordinary vote of confidence in an organization’s leadership, mission, transparency, and impact
- How unrestricted funding gives nonprofit leaders the flexibility and “head space” to make strategic, long-term decisions instead of simply reacting to immediate funding pressures
- How The Freedom Fund is using its funding to make long-term investments in frontline and survivor-led organizations working to end modern slavery
- How the Women’s Refugee Commission is adapting its funding model amid major cuts to government and international humanitarian aid
- Why trust-based philanthropy can strengthen nonprofit organizations, frontline partners, civil society, and ultimately democracy and human rights
- What MacKenzie Scott’s giving philosophy may signal about the future of philanthropy—and why private philanthropy cannot replace the responsibility of governments
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