Billionaire MacKenzie Scott makes more historic donations to HBCUs

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November 16, 2025

Arthur Jones II, ABC News

Library at Prairie View A&M University in Texas — Prairie View A&M University is one of the HBCUs that will benefit from this recent donation (Broadmoor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott’s historic philanthropic run has contributed more than $700 million to over a dozen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this fall.

In what are some of the largest single contributions in the schools’ histories, Scott’s efforts continued this weekend, sending $63 million, $50 million and $19 million gifts to Prairie View A&M University in Texas, Bowie State University in Maryland and Philander Smith University in Arkansas on Friday.

Bowie State was the 15th historically Black institution Scott has made an unrestricted gift to since the start of this school year. Bowie State President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux said she is profoundly grateful for the award.

“Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment in our 160-year story,” Breaux wrote in a statement. “It empowers us to expand access, elevate our research and academic excellence, and uplift generations of students who will lead, serve and innovate. Higher education is the pathway to upward social mobility for our students and the communities we serve, and, with this gift, their futures are brighter than ever,” she added.

The original article details the breakdown of Scott’s donations to HBCUs.

Learn about Mackenzie Scott’s donations earlier this year.

Follow the state of HBCUs in our Breaking News.

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