$80M Gift From MacKenzie Scott Goes to Howard University

Photo Credits: MacKenzie Scott / Instagram

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $80 million in unrestricted funds to Howard University, marking one of the largest single gifts in the institution’s 158-year history.

According to the announcement made on November 3, 2025, the allocation will direct $63 million to the university broadly and $17 million specifically to the College of Medicine.

Howard’s interim president, Wayne A.I. Frederick, said the unrestricted nature of the gift gives the university “wide latitude over how to spend the money”.

Officials said the funds will support multiple priorities including expanding training for medical personnel, improving campus infrastructure and creating a relief plan for students carrying past-due balances, especially amid delays in federal funding caused by the US government shutdown.

Howard University, founded in 1867 and chartered by an act of Congress, is among the few historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that have a medical school.

Scott’s previous donation to Howard was $40 million in 2020, and smaller gifts in 2023. Including the new gift, Scott’s total contributions to Howard now exceed $130 million.

Scott, who signed the Giving Pledge in 2019 and has directed significant funds to institutions focused on equity and educational access, has become a major donor to HBCUs.

At Howard, Frederick said the gift provides “a boost of confidence” and reflects trust in the university’s mission and capabilities.

This gift will come at a time when Howard faces financial pressures from delayed federal appropriations and high dependency on federal sources for student aid, hospital services and other revenue streams. Officials estimate 80 to 90% of its incoming funds have some federal connection.

The donation is publicly announced by the university via its official social media channel.