Philanthropist’s unrestricted donations to Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta create ripple effect across historically Black colleges.
MacKenzie Scott transformed three Atlanta universities with a historic $55 million donation. The philanthropist gave the money to HBCUs within the Atlanta University Center following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Scott acquired Amazon stock worth more than $38 billion in the settlement.
She decided to give away most of her newfound wealth to support Black institutions. The donations came during the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Scott’s gifts arrived with no restrictions, allowing university leaders complete freedom in spending decisions.
Historic Donations Distribute $55 Million Across Three Premier HBCUs
Scott allocated her donations strategically among the three Atlanta University Center schools. Morehouse and Spelman each received $20 million in July 2020. Clark Atlanta University received its $15 million check five months later in December.
The timing proved crucial for these historically underfunded institutions. Each school faced longstanding financial challenges due to systemic lack of support. Scott’s unrestricted gifts provided unprecedented flexibility for campus improvements and student support.
University administrators praised Scott’s trust-based approach to philanthropy. Her decision to avoid restrictions demonstrated confidence in Black institutional leadership. This approach marked a significant departure from traditional donor practices.
Morehouse Invests $20 Million Gift in New Campus Center and Student Experience
Morehouse directed Scott’s donation toward constructing a new three-story campus center. The 58,000-square-foot facility will serve as a communal and educational hub. Total construction costs reach $80 million, making Scott’s contribution essential to the project.
The all-men’s HBCU plans to create modern spaces for student collaboration and learning. University leaders view the center as transformative for campus culture. The facility represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in recent school history.
“It was refreshing to see a donor who really genuinely wants to help organizations without having any restrictions,” said Hodan Hassan, Morehouse’s vice president of Institutional Advancement. “What that really conveys is trusting those organizations to utilize the resources as they need and as they see fit.”
Clark Atlanta Strengthens Financial Foundation with Record-Breaking Individual Gift
Clark Atlanta University invested $10 million of Scott’s gift into its endowment fund. The donation remains the largest single private gift in the school’s history. University President George T. French Jr. called it a “true turning point” for the institution.
The endowment investment provides long-term financial stability for the university. These funds generate ongoing income to support operations and scholarships. Clark Atlanta’s financial foundation became significantly stronger through this strategic allocation.
Additionally, the university distributed remaining funds across key programs and initiatives. The W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy received significant support. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development also benefited from the historic gift.
Spelman College Provides Direct Student Support Through Individual Awards
Spelman College allocated over half of its $20 million donation to endowment growth. The women’s college served approximately 2,100 students in 2020. Each student received a direct $3,500 award from Scott’s generous contribution.
These individual awards provided immediate financial relief to students and families. The direct payments helped cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Spelman students experienced tangible benefits from Scott’s philanthropic investment.
The remaining funds supported technology upgrades throughout the campus. Modern technology infrastructure became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spelman invested in systems that enhanced remote learning and student experience.
Gift Creates Ripple Effect Attracting Additional Philanthropic Investment
Scott’s donations generated momentum that extended far beyond the initial $55 million. Other philanthropists began viewing HBCUs as worthy investment opportunities. Hassan noted that the gift signaled to donors that these institutions deserved support.
The Atlanta University Center leveraged Scott’s endorsement to attract additional funding. These schools gained millions more from various sources following the initial donation. The multiplier effect significantly amplified the original gift’s impact.
University fundraising efforts became more successful after Scott’s public commitment. Her reputation as a strategic philanthropist carried weight with other donors. The gift provided credibility that opened doors to new funding opportunities.
Atlanta Public Schools Students Benefit from Targeted Scholarship Program
Clark Atlanta designated $500,000 specifically for full-tuition scholarships targeting local students. The program focuses on graduates from Atlanta Public Schools. This initiative strengthens connections between the university and surrounding community.
These scholarships remove financial barriers for deserving local students. Recipients gain access to quality higher education without accumulating debt. The program demonstrates how unrestricted gifts can address specific community needs.
Furthermore, the scholarship initiative creates pathways for Atlanta youth to attend prestigious HBCUs. Local students benefit from staying within their home community for college. This approach supports both individual advancement and regional economic development.
