Major Gifts: Ms. Mackenzie Scott's Indelible Impact on HBCUs

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made an indelible impact of historical proportions through her significant donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)! Her repeated, unrestricted gifts are a powerful affirmation of the vital roles HBCUs play in fostering educational equity, developing future leaders, and sowing a transformative seed in the communities surrounding HBCUs across the nation.

Virginia's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been key beneficiaries of Scott's generosity since the height of the pandemic. In 2020, Ms. Scott donated $30 million to Virginia State University (VSU). On October 30, 2025 it was announced that she gifted an additional $50 million to the university, bringing her unrestricted major gifts to a total of $80 million dollars to the prestigious university within the past five years.

“Ms. Scott’s generosity and trust in our mission will change the trajectory of Virginia State University for generations to come,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. "Her investment allows us to continue to build upon our legacy of excellence and expand our reach to more students who deserve access to a world-class education. For 143 years, VSU has stood as a beacon of opportunity, and with this transformational gift, our future shines even brighter.”

Norfolk State University (NSU) received a significant $40 million unrestricted donation in 2020 as well! It is important to note that both VSU and NSU are prestigious state funded HBCUs that have been grossly underfunded for decades.

Ms. Scott also made historical donations to Hampton University - $40 million in 2020 and a total of $132 million since 2020, to The Mecca, Howard University in Washington, DC.

If you are an HBCU alumni, are you a member of your respective Alumni Association?

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Ms. Mackenzie Scott's steadfast commitment to HBCUs serve as a critical model for philanthropy, acknowledging the impact of HBCUs by providing them with the resources necessary to continue their deeply rooted mission of educational attainment for Black scholars, economic empowerment, thriving communities and much more for generations to come!

Remember, you - yes you reading this, have the power to make an impact and sow a seed into an HBCU by making a donation, supporting students, volunteering your time, talents and resources, creating a endowment through the HBCU of your choice and if you are an alumni of a prestigious HBCU make sure you and members of your class are members of the Alumni Association!