Legal Aid SMC has received a $1 million grant from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift comes from Yield Giving, a philanthropic organization founded by Ms. Scott which has invested $16 billion in grants to nearly two thousand nonprofit teams since 2019.
The donation will strengthen access to critical legal services for low-income communities across San Mateo County. Legal Aid SMC empowers people to advocate for themselves and represents them as they navigate complex legal systems. We use case data to identify systemic issues and advocate for policy changes. Unrestricted gifts like Ms. Scott’s allow us to respond to issues affecting local families as they arise.
“We are thankful for this generous gift and celebrate Ms. Scott’s recognition of legal services as a vital tool in the fight for social justice. With this gift, Legal Aid SMC will continue to use the law to break down barriers to equity and work toward a more just society where everyone has a home, economic security, and access to essential public services.”
— M. Stacey Hawver, Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County