December 29, 2025
2025-12-29T00:01:00-05:00
Giving to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as well as Tribal- and Hispanic-Serving colleges advanced markedly this year with more than $1 billion in related awards from MacKenzie Scott alone.
Here are some of the top stories from 2025:
UNCF receives $70 million from MacKenzie Scott for capital campaign
The gift will be invested in the United Negro College Fund’s pooled endowment fund, an initiative designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of all 37 private HBCUs that are members of UNCF. Launched in 2021, the $1 billion capital campaign is designed to elevate the organization’s reach and effectiveness and provide member school’s with the resources needed to advance student success….
(09/25/2025)
Native Forward Scholars Fund receives $50 million from MacKenzie Scott
The second major commitment Scott has made to the organization will enable it to meet more of the rising demand in scholarships among Native students, while continuing to strengthen the systems that help scholars thrive….
(10/20/2025)
Blank Foundation commits $50 million for HBCU student scholarships
Grants to Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse, Morris Brown, and Spelman colleges will provide gap scholarships intended to increase the number of graduates. The program is projected to assist nearly 10,000 students, helping raise graduation rates across Atlanta’s HBCUs….
(10/15/2025)
Lilly Endowment awards $25 million to Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Through strategic investments and partnerships, Project HBCU Capacity Building will address infrastructure needs and accelerate innovation across TMCF member schools, including enhancing administrative systems and processes….
(01/30/2025)
Mastercard Foundation awards $169.95 million for Indigenous education
The C$235 million ($169.95 million) commitment to 30 post-secondary educational institutions and Indigenous organizations in Canada will support education for Indigenous youth across the country. Funding will enable organizations to strengthen, scale, and share programs, doubling the number of Indigenous youth served by these programs over the next 10 years….
(09/10/2025)
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Vladimir Vladimirov)
