$6M Donation From Mackenzie Scott's Yield Giving Empowers Alaska Native-Owned Businesses
Spruce Root and JumpScale are thrilled to announce a $6M donation from Mackenzie Scott’s charitable organization, Yield Giving. This transformative gift will support Alaska Native-owned businesses through the joint implementation of JumpScale’s innovative Resilience Circles program in Southeast Alaska.
The Resilience Circles Framework™, a culturally informed and wellness-based initiative, has garnered widespread recognition for its effectiveness in addressing systemic challenges. The program has advanced reparative investments in Indigenous innovation and community well-being by integrating local Indigenous expertise, trauma-informed practices, business ecosystems, and impact capital.
“Through the Resilience Circles program, we’ve witnessed the power of Indigenous-led innovation to create lasting, positive change,” said Alana Peterson, Executive Director at Spruce Root. “This generous support from Yield Giving allows us to deepen our commitment to Alaska Native entrepreneurs and ensure the sustainability of their businesses for generations to come.”
The success of Resilience Circles has also spurred a global collaboration. Spruce Root is partnering with JumpScale and its funding partners to expand the program into other communities worldwide. The framework’s ability to blend Indigenous wisdom with modern economic tools positions it as a model for community-driven development beyond Alaska.
“The word is out about Resilience Circles’ unique approach,” said Alexis Bunten, General Partner at Jumpscale. “By scaling this program internationally, we aim to inspire a global movement that centers community well-being and cultural integrity as the foundation for economic growth.”
Spruce Root’s work is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous communities. The organization remains committed to fostering economic equity and advancing Indigenous leadership to shape a sustainable future.
For more information about the Resilience Circles program or to get involved, visit https://www.wejumpscale.com/resilience-circles or contact JumpScale General Partner Daniel Roth.
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About Spruce Root
Spruce Root is a nonprofit organization based in Southeast Alaska that supports local economic development through education, business financing, and community-focused initiatives. By centering Indigenous values and innovation, Spruce Root empowers Alaska Native entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and thriving communities. For more information, visit: spruceroot.org
About JumpScale
JumpScale, founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, is an advisory firm specializing in organizational well-being within the impact sector. The company offers services to help impact leaders navigate organizational change and achieve sustainable growth. For more information, visit: wejumpscale.com
About Yield Giving
Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield Giving is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control. To date, Yield’s network of staff and advisors has yielded over $16,500,000,000 to 1,900+ non-profit teams to use as they see fit for the benefit of others. To learn more, visit yieldgiving.com