In an inspiring act of philanthropy, MacKenzie Scott has once again demonstrated her commitment to supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with a generous $70 million donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). This significant contribution was publicly announced, with UNCF describing it as “transformational.” It follows Scott’s previous donation of $10 million in 2020, greatly enhancing the organization’s emergency reserve fund.
The recent gift is part of a broader effort launched by UNCF in 2021, a $1 billion capital campaign aimed at providing critical resources to HBCUs. The gift will be invested in the UNCF Members Pooled Endowment Fund, a key component of this campaign, with the objective of bolstering the financial strength of the fund’s 37 private HBCUs. The pooled endowment aims to raise $370 million, with each school receiving around $10 million to stabilize their endowments.
UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax expressed his immense gratitude, calling Scott “Saint MacKenzie Scott” in recognition of her extraordinary efforts in philanthropy. He praises Scott for not only providing substantial support but also setting a new standard for others in the philanthropic community. Lomax hopes that other organizations heed this call to action and increase their support for HBCUs, which have historically been underfunded.
This noble gesture aligns with a wave of increased attention and funding for HBCUs. Recently, these institutions were awarded over $400 million from the Department of Education as part of a move that raised their federal funding to $1.3 billion for fiscal year 2025. The funding comes amidst a renewed appreciation for the vital role that HBCUs play in the higher education landscape, especially in light of recent affirmative action rulings that have sparked a discussion on race-conscious admissions practices.
Lodriguez V. Murray, UNCF’s senior vice president for public policy and government affairs, described the additional federal funding as a “godsend.” Meanwhile, Lomax remains cautiously optimistic, noting that financial support has surprisingly increased despite recent challenges. As HBCU Week 2025 highlights the longstanding legacy and pillars of excellence that these schools represent, Scott’s contributions and the federal government’s renewed commitments provide a hopeful outlook for the future of HBCUs.
By acknowledging both the historical underfunding and recognizing the renewed investments, Scott’s contribution shines as a beacon of hope and progress. Her actions remind us of the significant impact that philanthropy can have in addressing educational inequities and furthering institutional success for historically Black colleges and universities across the United States.