BY SHANNON JONES, BAY MILL NEWS
 
BRIMLEY— Bay Mills Community College has received a monumental donation, a first of its kind for the school. The Mackenzie Scott Foundation has contributed $9 million to the tribal college, which can be utilized in an unrestricted manner.
 
“I am absolutely thrilled and profoundly grateful for this extraordinary gift! This donation will be truly transformative for Bay Mills Community College, creating opportunities that will ripple through our students’ lives and the communities we proudly serve. It’s a game-changer that will shape our future in remarkable ways,” said BMCC President Dr. Duane Bedell. “This aligns perfectly with BMCC’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that empowers individuals and strengthens our tribal communities.”
According to Bedell, BMCC will use the funds to support its mission and the development of new programs and infrastructure, such as the new Allied Health Facility.
 
In May 2019, Scott signed the Giving Pledge, a charitable-giving campaign where she vowed to give away most of her wealth to charity over her lifetime or in her will. The foundation was created by Scott herself, a novelist and original contributor to the development of Amazon.
 
“We each come by the gifts we have to offer by an infinite series of influences and lucky breaks we can never fully understand. In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share. My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty,” wrote Scott in an essay about her pledge.
 
Scott is known for her “no-strings-attached” giving style: when she donates, she often gives large, unrestricted gifts so organizations can use the money as they see fit.
 
“This generous gift from the McKenzie Scott Foundation marks a powerful moment for Bay Mills Community College. It strengthens our ability to expand the facilities and enhance the programming that supports our students, our families, and our future. Most importantly, it reflects the investment Ms. Scott places in the values our Tribal Nation has always held including investing in education, fostering community, and honoring our responsibility to future generations,” said Whitney Gravelle, Bay Mills Indian Community president and BMIC Board of Regents chair. “We are deeply grateful for this contribution and the positive impact it will have across our homelands and Indian Country, for every student BMCC serves.”
 
Scott’s donations throughout this year have focused on educational institutions and programs impacted by the Trump administration. Earlier this year the White House recommended a reduction the Bureau of Indian Education’s colleges budget from $183 million to $22 million. While that cut didn’t occur, the recommendation left tribal colleges uneasy about their future.
 
“When Ms. Scott donates to Tribal Colleges and Universities; she is making an impact that goes far beyond the institutions themselves. She is creating a lasting legacy for entire communities,” added Bedell.
 
Additional donations to tribal affiliated programs this year include $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund and $5 million to Little Tribal Priest College in Nebraska. This year alone Scott has contributed nearly $20 billion to various nonprofits and educational institutions.