MacKenzie Scott Donates $80M To Howard University, Largest In School History

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $80 million in unrestricted funds to Howard University, marking one of the largest single contributions in the university's history. Of this amount, $63 million will support the university broadly, while $17 million is allocated to the Howard University College of Medicine, aiming to enhance medical education, research, and health equity. Howard's interim president, Wayne A. I. Frederick, emphasized that the donation will aid student aid, infrastructure improvements, and building a reserve fund to sustain operations and academic excellence. The gift comes at a critical time during a federal government shutdown that has delayed approximately $55 million in annual federal appropriations vital to Howard's academic programs and hospital operations. Scott's generosity reflects her ongoing commitment to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), following earlier donations including a $40 million gift in 2020 to Howard. The unrestricted nature of the donation empowers Howard University to allocate the funds strategically to best support its students and research initiatives amid funding uncertainties.