An unexpected donation has breathed new life into a U.S. charity facing challenging times. The Trevor Project, a non-profit supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, has experienced a surge in calls to its youth crisis helplines during the current administration of Donald Trump. Simultaneously, the organization’s funding was reduced, impacting its ability to handle these calls effectively.
However, a significant turn of events occurred when author MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic organization stepped in with a generous $45 million US ($62.2 million Cdn) donation. Janson Wu, the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at The Trevor Project, expressed astonishment at the unexpected gift, which nearly matches the non-profit’s annual budget of $47 million and surpasses the $25 million federal funding lost under the Trump administration.
The timing of this donation could not have been more critical, as the White House ceased funding for the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s “Press 3” option for bisexual, gay, and gender non-conforming youth, previously supported by The Trevor Project. Wu emphasized that the donation will strengthen the organization’s crisis services, ensuring they can provide prompt and compassionate assistance to young individuals reaching out for help.
The Trevor Project has been inundated with calls, experiencing a 700% increase post-Trump’s inauguration in 2025 and witnessing spikes following instances of political attacks. Despite the challenges, the organization remains committed to offering support to vulnerable youth navigating mental health issues within the current political climate.
MacKenzie Scott, renowned for her substantial contributions to non-profits, made this donation through her philanthropy organization, Yield Giving, which allocated $7 billion US to charitable causes in 2025. Scott’s unrestricted giving approach has proven beneficial to organizations, with most recipients managing the donations responsibly and experiencing long-term positive impacts.
Looking ahead, The Trevor Project aims to utilize this transformative gift strategically, ensuring its sustainability and impact for future generations. Despite past financial and organizational hurdles, the organization remains dedicated to its life-saving mission of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
Approximately 39% of 2SLGBTQ+ youth contemplate suicide, underscoring the urgency and significance of The Trevor Project’s hotline services. Wu highlighted the heartbreaking nature of the calls they receive, emphasizing the importance of their mission in providing support and hope to vulnerable young individuals in need.