MacKenzie Scott gives $70M to UNCF to strengthen HBCUs. Learn how this historic donation supports scholarships, endowments, and long-term growth.

MacKenzie Scott Gives $70 Million to UNCF to Financially Strengthen HBCUs

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made headlines again with a $70 million donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The contribution, one of her largest single gifts, will help financially strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and address long-standing funding disparities.

Why MacKenzie Scott’s Gift Matters

The UNCF, the nation’s largest private scholarship provider for minority students, is currently raising $1 billion to support all 37 of its HBCUs. Scott’s donation will play a crucial role in this campaign.

• $70M for UNCF’s pooled endowment: This fund aims to create a $370 million reserve, with each member HBCU receiving $10 million.
• Annual support: The endowment will generate a steady 4% payout, helping stabilize budgets for institutions that often struggle with limited financial resources.
• Closing the gap: HBCU endowments trail non-HBCU schools by nearly 70%, highlighting the need for targeted investment.

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF, called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build permanent assets that will support students and campuses for decades.

Funding Disparities Between HBCUs and Ivy League Schools

HBCUs have historically faced systemic funding challenges. A 2023 study revealed:

• Ivy League schools received $5.5 billion from the 1,000 largest U.S. foundations in 2019.
• All 99 HBCUs combined received only $45 million from those same foundations.

This vast gap makes Scott’s unrestricted giving even more significant, as it empowers HBCUs to decide how best to allocate funds for long-term growth.

MacKenzie Scott’s Legacy of Giving

Since signing the Giving Pledge in 2019, Scott has focused her philanthropy on equity and systemic change:

• Total donations so far: Over $19.2 billion by 2024.
• Past UNCF support: A $10 million gift in 2020.
• Giving philosophy: Scott emphasizes diversity, writing that different perspectives are essential to solving problems effectively.

Her unique approach—large, unrestricted donations—contrasts traditional philanthropy and has proven successful in strengthening nonprofit organizations.

Expert Insights on Scott’s Philanthropy

Philanthropy experts note that Scott’s giving model has avoided the pitfalls many feared. According to a study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy:

• Nonprofits used the funds responsibly, avoiding overspending.
• Many organizations improved long-term stability and expanded their impact.
• Large unrestricted gifts boosted confidence in nonprofit leadership and planning.

As Phil Buchanan of the Center said: “If you carefully vet nonprofits, we can trust them to make good use of funds.”

Looking Ahead: Impact on HBCUs

Scott’s latest contribution reinforces the idea that HBCUs merit investment at the highest levels. By empowering these institutions with financial security, the gift ensures:

• More scholarships for minority students.
• Greater resources for research and innovation.
• Stronger financial footing to compete with wealthier institutions.

Dr. Lomax concluded, “Her generosity will strengthen our member institutions and provide pathways to success for tomorrow’s changemakers.”

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FAQs

1. How much did MacKenzie Scott donate to UNCF in 2025?
She donated $70 million to UNCF to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities.

2. What will the $70 million be used for?
The donation will support UNCF’s pooled endowment fund, designed to provide sustainable financial support for its 37 member HBCUs.

3. How does this gift compare to previous donations?
It is one of Scott’s largest single donations to date and significantly higher than her $10 million gift to UNCF in 2020.

4. Why are HBCU endowments important?
Endowments provide long-term financial stability, allowing institutions to support scholarships, infrastructure, and academic programs.

5. What is MacKenzie Scott’s total philanthropic giving so far?
By 2024, Scott had donated more than $19.2 billion, focusing on equity, education, and community development.

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Conclusion

MacKenzie Scott’s $70 million donation to UNCF marks a transformative moment for HBCUs. By addressing funding disparities and building permanent endowments, this gift ensures that historically Black colleges and universities can continue shaping leaders for generations to come.

Her bold, unrestricted giving style sets a new precedent for philanthropy—empowering institutions, trusting their leadership, and driving long-term impact.