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The National Council for Mental Wellbeing announced this week that we received a $32 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, and I’m still overwhelmed by her unexpected act of goodwill.
“Thank you” feels insufficient. Still, on behalf of the National Council and our Board of Directors, I want to express my deep appreciation to Scott for her generosity and her support for our work and the efforts of our members in hundreds of communities across the country.
Recognition for a job well done is not necessary, but it’s always welcome. And while it is better to give than to receive, receiving makes it easier for the National Council to make an impact.
We Have More Work to Do
I’m especially grateful for Scott’s gift because our work isn’t done.
Even though overdose deaths have fallen recently, they remain tragically high. An estimated 73,000 people died from overdoses in the 12-month period that ended in August 2025, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Deaths peaked at nearly 110,000 in 2022.) We cannot accept tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually as a victory, even when it is a significant decrease.
On a broader scale, an alarming number of people continue to have concerns about their mental health. In a November 2025 survey by Gallup, the percentage of adults who described their mental health as “excellent” dropped below 30% for the first time.
We Don’t Do It Alone
The unexpected gift — Scott’s second to the National Council in four years — will provide us with resources to strengthen our organization and the services our members rely on to help their clients achieve mental wellbeing. No one is immune from a mental health or substance use challenge, and no one can overcome those challenges alone. Mental wellbeing is a state of thriving. It is the foundation of living a strong, healthy and fulfilling life. We believe that mental wellbeing is achievable for everyone — including individuals living with or recovering from a mental health or substance use challenge.
There is so much more we can do to help people achieve mental wellbeing, and that reality illustrates the power of Scott’s gift. Her generosity speaks to the new paradigm on which we increasingly rely, one in which public-private partnerships are more important than ever. Private investment helps to fill the gaps left by diminishing federal resources.
Philanthropy’s downstream effect is lasting and powerful. It has the potential to change lives. Thank you, MacKenzie Scott.
If you or your organization would like to get involved, we have resources describing how organizations can partner with us and what support could look like. Or you can simply reach out to us at Donate@TheNationalCouncil.org for more information.
