Overview
- Alabama State University confirmed a $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott, the largest single gift in the school’s 158-year history.
- Morgan State University received $63 million on Oct. 15 and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore received $38 million last week, with both institutions describing the gifts as their largest to date.
- Recent nonprofit beneficiaries include $70 million to UNCF for a pooled endowment, $50 million to Native Forward Scholars Fund, $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, and $10 million to the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation.
- Universities say the largely unrestricted funds will strengthen endowments, expand scholarships and student support, and advance research and community initiatives, with UMES also soliciting campus input through Nov. 30 and citing its planned veterinary school.
- Analyses and university reports note enrollment and retention gains at HBCUs that received Scott’s support, and prior estimates place her cumulative HBCU giving at well over $500 million.