Source: Fortune
Summary
MacKenzie Scott has given over $1 billion to historically Black colleges and universities, with a $42 million donation to Elizabeth City State University pushing her total past the milestone. Since 2020, Scott has donated $26 billion to various causes, including DEI, disaster recovery, and community development. Her gifts to HBCUs are unrestricted, allowing schools to use funds as needed. Other billionaires, like Jamie Dimon, have also increased their HBCU donations. Scott, worth an estimated $37 billion, has given significant amounts to institutions like Howard University and Morgan State University.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Scott’s gifts to HBCUs cross $1 billion, with a $42 million donation to Elizabeth City State University.
Her unrestricted gifts allow schools to use funds as needed, a rare approach in philanthropy.
Other billionaires, like Jamie Dimon, have also stepped up HBCU donations.
Scott’s giving reflects a broader strategy focused on DEI and community development.
Author: Evan Null
HBCUs MacKenzie Scott has funded—and how much
MacKenzie Scott has donated significant amounts to various HBCUs, including $38 million to Alabama State University, $42 million to Alcorn State University, and $50 million to Bowie State University. Other institutions like Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, and Delaware State University have also received large donations. Scott has given $80 million to Howard University and $63 million to Morgan State University. Many of these donations are unrestricted, allowing schools to use the funds as needed.
Why no-strings-attached giving is so rare and powerful
Scott’s donations are unrestricted, meaning schools can use the funds for any purpose. This approach is rare in philanthropy and has made her giving distinctive. Trust-based philanthropy, as Scott practices, allows organizations to act quickly and innovatively. Unlike traditional funding, which often includes restrictions, Scott’s method empowers institutions to address pressing issues without bureaucratic delays.
The personal experiences behind Scott’s $26 billion giving streak
Scott’s motivation for giving stems from personal experiences, such as a dentist offering free dental work and a roommate loaning her $1,000. These acts of kindness inspired her to give on a large scale. Scott believes that generosity and kindness engage the same pleasure centers in the brain as sex, food, and receiving gifts. Her essay highlights the underestimated power of non-transactional contributions.
Scott’s broader philanthropy and impact
Scott’s $26 billion giving streak includes donations to organizations focused on DEI, disaster recovery, and community development. Her HBCU donations are part of a larger strategy that has become more pronounced as federal support for diversity-focused programs declines. In 2025, she donated $70 million each to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund. Her approach to philanthropy emphasizes trust and flexibility, allowing recipients to use funds as they see fit.
Scott’s influence and recognition
Scott’s donations have received widespread recognition, with many HBCU leaders expressing gratitude for her support. Her gifts have helped institutions like Elizabeth City State University advance their strategic plans and expand opportunities for students. Other philanthropists, like Jamie Dimon, have also increased their HBCU donations, reflecting a growing trend in billionaire philanthropy. Scott’s impact on HBCUs and her unique approach to giving continue to shape the landscape of philanthropy in the United States.
