MacKenzie Scott Donates $172 Million More to HBCUs

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has announced a new wave of transformative gifts totaling US$172 million to three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Howard University (US$80 million), Virginia State University (US$50 million), and Alcorn State University (US$42 million). These donations mark the largest single gifts in the history of both Virginia State and Alcorn State and bring Scott’s total HBCU giving to more than US$300 million in recent months.

At Howard University – an HBCU with one of only four medical schools in the sector – US$63 million will support campus-wide priorities while US$17 million is earmarked to expand its medical school. President Wayne A. I. Frederick said the funds would help train more physicians, upgrade infrastructure, and mitigate impacts from the recent federal government shutdown.

Including prior gifts in 2020 and 2023, Scott has now contributed US$132 million to Howard.

Virginia State University, recipient of a previous US$30 million gift from Scott in 2020, called the new US$50 million donation “transformational.” President Makola M. Abdullah said it would “change the trajectory of the university for generations” by expanding access to high-quality education.

Alcorn State University – the oldest public HBCU in the United States – received its largest-ever gift: US$42 million in unrestricted funds, adding to a US$25 million donation from 2020. President Tracy M. Cook hailed the gift as a “historic moment” made possible by the community’s enduring commitment to the institution.

Scott’s recent giving spree also includes US$63 million to Morgan State University, US$38 million each to Alabama State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and a US$70 million contribution to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – the latter to be invested in the UNCF Members Pooled Endowment Fund to support 37 member schools.

Her focus remains steadfast on institutions advancing educational equity for underserved students of color, providing critical backing for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts amid growing political headwinds.