MacKenzie Scott Donates $700 Million to 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made headlines in 2025 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.

“The donations represent some of the largest single gifts many of these institutions have ever received.”

Scott, who has pledged to give away the majority of her wealth, has donated more than $19 billion since 2019 to organizations focused on equity and access. "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."