An Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps students graduate from high school received a $4 million donation, the largest private gift in its 50-year history.

Communities in Schools of Atlanta on Thursday announced it received the donation from MacKenzie Scott, a writer and philanthropist.

The money will support the organization’s work in 62 schools in the city of Atlanta and in Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties.

The local gift is part of a larger $133.5 million donation made by Scott to the organization’s national office and other affiliates.

Frank Brown, CEO of Communities in Schools of Atlanta, said the money will pay for expanded college and career programming. It also will fund raises and training for staff members.

“On behalf of CIS of Atlanta, we are extremely grateful for this generous unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott,” he said, in a written statement.

The organization served 34,000 students last school year. Staff work inside metro Atlanta schools, helping students with a variety of needs from food and housing to healthcare and counseling.

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com