MacKenzie Scott Gives More Than $300 Million to HBCUs

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has given more than $300 million in about a month to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and related organizations, including a $38 million gift to Alabama State University. Other recent gifts include $63 million to Morgan State, $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and $42 million to Alcorn State — the largest single donation in Alcorn’s history, bringing Scott’s total there to $67 million after a prior $25 million gift. Her recent activity raises her total giving to Maryland HBCUs to about $186 million over nearly five years. Many of the donations are largely unrestricted, allowing institutions flexibility to direct funds to scholarships, faculty endowments, capital projects, student aid and efforts to expand access and affordability. The concentrated giving underscores Scott’s focused support for HBCUs and nonprofits serving underserved students amid broader debates over equity and higher-education funding.