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MacKenzie Scott’s 2025 College Giving Surges Past $1 Billion as New Awards Include Lincoln University

Her trust-based philanthropy directs unrestricted money to HBCUs, tribal colleges, public access institutions.

Overview

  • Institutions this week announced $50 million each for CSU East Bay and CUNY’s Lehman College, $38 million for Texas A&M University–Kingsville, and $17 million for Seminole State College.
  • Lincoln University reported a $25 million unrestricted gift that leaders said will bolster scholarships and key initiatives.
  • Nebraska Indian Community College said it received $7 million, the largest single gift in its history, as tribal college awards this year approach roughly $51 million.
  • For 2025, Scott’s higher‑education donations now exceed $1 billion, with HBCUs alone receiving more than $750 million, including $80 million for Howard and $63 million each for North Carolina A&T, Morgan State, and Prairie View A&M.
  • Many recipients say the awards are the largest private gifts they have ever received and plan to use the funds for financial aid, endowment growth, academic programs, and facilities.