MacKenzie Scott continues her giving spree to historically Black colleges and universities, and earlier this year she crossed a major milestone.One of the billionaire philanthropist’s gifts made this spring, a $42 million donation to Elizabeth City State University on the school’s Founders Day in North Carolina, pushed her total giving to HBCUs well past the $1 billion mark. And that’s just part of Scott’s $26 billion philanthropic commitment since 2020, in which she’s donated to thousands of organizations focused on DEI, disaster recovery, community development, health, and environmental causes. Elizabeth City State University Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove, Sr., expressed his “deepest gratitude” for Scott’s gift, saying she recognizes” the critical role that HBCUs play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities.”“Her investment affirms what we already know: that institutions like ECSU are powerful catalysts for change,” Hargrove said in a statement. “Gifts like this do more than provide resources; they accelerate momentum.” Scott’s donation will help the school’s ASCEND 2030 strategic plan, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening ties to the surrounding community.
