Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) Boston is honored to announce the largest single individual gift in its history, a $7 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This transformative, unrestricted donation will allow JVS to enhance its current programs and secure the organization’s long-term sustainability, helping to ensure that JVS can continue providing vital workforce development services for years to come.
MacKenzie Scott, a renowned author, philanthropist, and advocate for social change, has made substantial contributions to organizations that address societal inequities and empower individuals through education and employment. As part of her commitment to the Giving Pledge, Scott’s donation reflects her belief in supporting organizations that create lasting, systemic change.
“This extraordinary gift is a profound endorsement of the long-term impact we aim to make at JVS,” said Kira Khazatsky, CEO of JVS Boston. “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.”
Joanna Jacobson, president of the One8 Foundation, a longtime backer of JVS Boston, said: “We congratulate MacKenzie Scott for making this long-term strategic investment in JVS Boston. The One8 Foundation has supported JVS Boston for years because of its disciplined strategic focus on outcomes for underserved communities, buttressed by very high-quality implementation. The JVS team is devoted, talented, and focused on successful employment for those in need and helping Massachusetts employers recruit and retain the talent they need to grow.’’
JVS has been a cornerstone of workforce development in Boston for over 85 years, helping people from diverse backgrounds gain the skills, education, and support they need to build better futures. This unprecedented gift will strengthen JVS’s financial foundation, enabling the organization to strategically plan for the future while also advancing its immediate priorities.
The $7 million donation from Scott will be instrumental in supporting JVS’s long-term vision, as outlined in its new strategic plan. This plan identifies five priority areas that will guide the organization over the coming years, focusing on expanding access to workforce training, deepening community partnerships, and creating innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Scott’s donation will provide the stability needed to pursue these priorities while also responding to evolving workforce needs.
“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. “Her gift gives us the freedom to think boldly about the future, making sure we can adapt and innovate to serve more people in an ever-changing economic landscape.”