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As Others Retreat as Trump Hits Diversity, MacKenzie Scott Deepens Her Commitment to HBCUs With $63 Million to Morgan State

October 24, 2025

MacKenzie Scott has established a distinctive approach to philanthropy by providing unrestricted donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other Black-operated organizations. Most recently, Morgan State University received $63 million, which President David Wilson indicated would support the university's transformation into a "fully smart campus" with expanded faculty and AI research capabilities. Scott also donated $70 million to UNCF in September 2025, following a previous $10 million gift in 2020, with her contributions coming at a critical time when Black institutions face severe underfunding and political pressure against diversity initiatives.

Who is affected

  • Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
  • Morgan State University
  • United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
  • Black-operated organizations
  • Black educational institutions
  • Black communities struggling with lack of investment
  • Marginalized communities and their institutions

What action is being taken

  • MacKenzie Scott is providing large unrestricted donations to HBCUs and Black organizations
  • Morgan State University is using the $63 million gift to become a "fully smart campus" with new faculty positions and AI research
  • Scott continues funding Black institutions despite political pressure against diversity initiatives
  • Scott's team is quietly identifying recipients for unrestricted gifts

Why it matters

  • HBCUs are severely underfunded, with endowments trailing other institutions by 50-70%
  • Black colleges are more vulnerable to budget shortfalls, enrollment declines, deferred maintenance, and fewer research resources
  • Scott's unrestricted giving approach differs from traditional philanthropy that comes with conditions
  • The donations arrive when Trump's administration is targeting funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • These gifts allow Black educational institutions to plan decades in advance
  • The trust demonstrated through unrestricted giving may be as important as the financial support itself

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint