Morgan State University, a historically Black educational institution in Baltimore, has received a $63 million gift from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The donation is unrestricted, meaning Morgan State can choose to direct their new funds to any areas in need. Leaders at the HBCU plan to use the funding to strengthen Morgan’s endowment, enhance student services, and advance research opportunities.
This is Scott’s second major gift to Morgan State. In 2020, the philanthropist awarded $40 million to the HBCU, which at the time was Morgan State’s largest individual donation in university history.
“MacKenzie Scott’s renewed investment in Morgan is a resounding testament to the work we’ve done to drive transformation, not only within our campus but throughout the communities we serve,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “To receive one historic gift from Ms. Scott was an incredible honor; to receive two speaks volumes about the confidence she and her team have in our institution’s stewardship, leadership, and trajectory. This is more than philanthropy — it’s a partnership in progress.”
Scott, a novelist and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has been an avid supporter of HBCUs in recent years. Earlier this fall, she donated $40 million to the United Negro College Fund to strengthen the endowments of the organization’s member institutions. In 2020, she gifted some $4.3 billion to 384 beneficiaries, including her first gift to Morgan State and several hundred million dollars for other HBCUs.
