MacKenzie Scott Donates $700 Million to 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $700 million to 15 HBCUs, providing transformative funding to institutions that have struggled with financial challenges.
Human StoriesGNGV Editorial Team4 min readLast reviewed September 28, 2026
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made headlines with a staggering $700 million donation to 15 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as reported by Reader's Digest. The donations represent some of the largest single gifts many of these institutions have ever received.
Many HBCUs have faced financial difficulties and declining enrollment in recent years, making Scott's unrestricted gifts particularly impactful. The funding allows schools to invest in infrastructure, scholarships, faculty development, and student support services.
"These institutions have been educating leaders for generations despite chronic underfunding," said one university president. "This gift is transformative — it allows us to dream bigger."
