Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos just announced a big gift. On December 17, 2025, they awarded $5 million to David Flink. He is the CEO of the Neurodiversity Alliance. This group helps neurodivergent students, like people with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia to feel included in schools.
This is part of the 2025 Bezos Courage and Civility Award. This year, five winners will share $25 million. Each receives $5 million, with no strings attached. The focus is on education for all types of students. Other winners include those who promote maths education and STEM for students with learning disabilities.
Small Actions Leading to Big Impact
David Flink was surprised and happy. He said, “Sometimes people think small actions don’t matter. But that’s not true. This award shows it. All the little things our students and team do every day added up. They reached the Bezos couple.”
This money comes from the Bezos Courage and Civility Award. The award started in 2021. It honors people who work hard to solve big problems with kindness and bravery. Winners get money with no rules attached. They can use it for their good causes. David is one of five winners this year. They share $25 million in total. Each gets $5 million.
The Neurodiversity Alliance was founded more than 25 years ago. It began as a small mentoring program. Students helped each other. Many people have conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Their brains function in unique ways.
Today, the organisation serves more than 600 high schools and institutions. Students create clubs. They establish classroom environments in which everyone feels included. Nobody is left out because their brains are different.
Why This Cause Matters to the Bezos Couple
The Bezos couple, who married this summer in a lavish Venice ceremony that sparked protests against economic inequality, did not provide a reason for their support of the cause. According to Forbes, the Amazon founder’s net worth is over $240 billion, ranking him as the world’s fourth richest person.
Bezos has previously demonstrated an interest in early childhood education through his nonprofit network of tuition-free preschools based on the Montessori model.
The Bezos Couple didn’t say why they chose this organisation to support. But it feels personal. Lauren grew up with undiagnosed dyslexia. Last year, she wrote a children’s book titled The Fly Who Flew to Space. She explained that it was for the young girl who was told she wasn’t smart. A nice college professor recognised her talent. He encouraged her to get tested. That altered her life.
Jeff has already expressed his support for education. He supports free preschool programs for young children.
This year’s prize appears different. Former winners include Van Jones, José Andrés, Eva Longoria, and Dolly Parton. They frequently donated the money to other groups.
Now, the Bezoses have chosen lesser-known leaders such as David. They want the money to go directly to the ground.
One expert describes this as an earlier manner of donating. Today, wealthy people frequently attempt major changes to the health-care and education systems. However, Jeff and Lauren help individuals and communities. They assist people in solving challenges in their own unique manner.
How the Money Will Be Used
David Flink intends to use the $5 million wisely. His top priorities are:
- Expanding the mentorship program
- Sharing more positive stories
- Building a stronger national network of student leaders
What’s the goal? By 2028, the goal is to have reached over 2,000 schools and universities.David Flink claims that the need has never been greater. Many schools want to do the right thing but face budget restrictions and limited resources. Staff training, accommodation, and inclusive programs frequently fall short. This gift arrives just in time to help bridge those gaps, train new leaders, and maintain the momentum.
Most significantly, the work remains student-led. Young people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits will continue to drive progress in their own classrooms. The $5 million just provides them with greater resources, reach, and chances to improve schools for everyone.
Philanthropy Filling the Gap
According to one lawyer who has worked there for many years, private donations like this are increasingly important. They fill in the gaps when the government’s support is low.
This prize represents hope. Small acts taken by students and instructors can lead to significant change. They eventually attract the attention of persons who can provide significant help. Together, they improve schools for everyone.
Many neurodivergent students receive government funding.But the United States Department of Education has undergone significant changes. There were layoffs at the office that protected students with disabilities. Complaints mounted up. Recently, some employees returned to clear the backlog.
