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{{Short description|American philanthropic organization}}
{{Short description|American philanthropic organization}}
{{distinguish|UNICEF}}
{{distinguish|UNICEF}}{{redirect|United Fund|the organization formerly known as United Fund|United Way}}
{{use mdy dates |date=June 2020}}
{{use mdy dates |date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
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| expenses_year    =  
| expenses_year    =  
| endowment        = $154 million (2023) <ref name="KPMG2023"/>
| endowment        = $154 million (2023) <ref name="KPMG2023"/>
| purpose          = To build a pathway of educational support from K–12 through college and career.
| purpose          = UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.
| logo              = UNCF.svg
| logo              = UNCF.svg
| type              = Educational
| type              = Educational
Line 26: Line 26:
| leader_name      = [[Michael Lomax|Dr. Michael L. Lomax]]<ref>"[https://www.uncf.org/bio/dr-lomax Dr. Michael L. Lomax]". United Negro College Fund. Retrieved November 1, 2019.</ref>  
| leader_name      = [[Michael Lomax|Dr. Michael L. Lomax]]<ref>"[https://www.uncf.org/bio/dr-lomax Dr. Michael L. Lomax]". United Negro College Fund. Retrieved November 1, 2019.</ref>  
| leader_title      = [[President (corporation)|President]], [[Chief Executive Officer]]
| leader_title      = [[President (corporation)|President]], [[Chief Executive Officer]]
| website          = {{URL|http://www.uncf.org/}}
| website          = {{URL|uncf.org}}
}}
}}
{{African American topics sidebar|right}}
{{African American topics sidebar|right}}


'''UNCF''', the '''United Negro College Fund''', also known as the '''United Fund''', is an American [[Philanthropy|philanthropic]] organization that funds [[scholarship]]s for [[African Americans|black]] students and general scholarship funds for 37 private [[historically black colleges and universities]]. UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944, by [[Frederick D. Patterson]] (then president of what became [[Tuskegee University]]), [[Mary McLeod Bethune]], and others. UNCF is headquartered at 1805 7th Street, NW in Washington, D.C.<ref name="uncf-contact">"[http://www.uncf.org/sections/WhoWeAre/SS_AboutUs/contact_us.asp Contact Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002142807/http://www.uncf.org/sections/WhoWeAre/SS_AboutUs/contact_us.asp |date=2013-10-02 }}". United Negro College Fund. Accessed October 8, 2013.</ref><!--Look up the address 1805 7th Street, NW-->  In 2005, UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers over 450 named scholarships.
'''UNCF''', the '''United Negro College Fund''', is an American [[Philanthropy|philanthropic]] organization that funds [[scholarship]]s for [[African Americans|black]] students and general scholarship funds for 37 private [[historically black colleges and universities]]. UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944, by [[Frederick D. Patterson]] (then president of what became [[Tuskegee University]]), [[Mary McLeod Bethune]], and others. UNCF is headquartered at 1805 7th Street, NW in Washington, D.C.<ref name="uncf-contact">"[http://www.uncf.org/sections/WhoWeAre/SS_AboutUs/contact_us.asp Contact Us] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002142807/http://www.uncf.org/sections/WhoWeAre/SS_AboutUs/contact_us.asp |date=2013-10-02 }}". United Negro College Fund. Accessed October 8, 2013.</ref><!--Look up the address 1805 7th Street, NW-->  In 2005, UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers over 450 named scholarships.


UNCF's president and chief executive officer is [[Michael Lomax]]. Past presidents of the UNCF included [[William H. Gray (Pennsylvania politician)|William H. Gray]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-14 |title=75+ Years Strong: Highlights from UNCF's History |url=https://uncf.org/the-latest/75-years-strong-highlights-from-uncfs-history |access-date=2022-03-30 |publisher=UNCF |language=en}}</ref> and [[Vernon Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNCF Mourns the Passing of Vernon Jordan, Former Executive Director |date=March 2, 2021 |url=https://uncf.org/news/uncf-mourns-the-passing-of-vernon-jordan-former-executive-director |access-date=2022-03-30 |publisher=UNCF |language=en}}</ref>
UNCF's president and chief executive officer is [[Michael Lomax]]. Past presidents of the UNCF included [[William H. Gray (Pennsylvania politician)|William H. Gray]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-14 |title=75+ Years Strong: Highlights from UNCF's History |url=https://uncf.org/the-latest/75-years-strong-highlights-from-uncfs-history |access-date=2022-03-30 |publisher=UNCF |language=en}}</ref> and [[Vernon Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNCF Mourns the Passing of Vernon Jordan, Former Executive Director |date=March 2, 2021 |url=https://uncf.org/news/uncf-mourns-the-passing-of-vernon-jordan-former-executive-director |access-date=2022-03-30 |publisher=UNCF |language=en}}</ref>
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In 1944 [[William J. Trent]], a long-time activist for education for black people, joined with [[Tuskegee Institute]] President [[Frederick D. Patterson]] and [[Mary McLeod Bethune]] to found the UNCF, a nonprofit that united college presidents to raise money collectively through an "appeal to the national conscience". As the first executive director from the organization's start in 1944 until 1964, Trent raised $78 million for historically Black colleges so they could become "strong citadels of learning, carriers of the American dream, seedbeds of social evolution and revolution".<ref>''Wharton Alumni Magazine'', Spring 2007</ref> In 2008, reflecting shifting attitudes toward the word [[Negro]] in its name, the UNCF shifted from using its full name to using only its initials, releasing a new logo with the initials alone and featuring their slogan more prominently.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/business/media/17adco.html |title=Revising a Name, but Not a Familiar Slogan |last=Quenqua |first=Douglas |date=January 17, 2008 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chronicle.com/article/United-Negro-College-Fund/40274 |title=United Negro College Fund Decides Its Great Tag Line Is a Terrible Thing to Waste |last=Schmidt |first=Peter |date=January 17, 2008 |website=The Chronicle of Higher Education}}</ref>
In 1944 [[William J. Trent]], a long-time activist for education for black people, joined with [[Tuskegee Institute]] President [[Frederick D. Patterson]] and [[Mary McLeod Bethune]] to found the UNCF, a nonprofit that united college presidents to raise money collectively through an "appeal to the national conscience". As the first executive director from the organization's start in 1944 until 1964, Trent raised $78 million for historically Black colleges so they could become "strong citadels of learning, carriers of the American dream, seedbeds of social evolution and revolution".<ref>''Wharton Alumni Magazine'', Spring 2007</ref> In 2008, reflecting shifting attitudes toward the word [[Negro]] in its name, the UNCF shifted from using its full name to using only its initials, releasing a new logo with the initials alone and featuring their slogan more prominently.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/business/media/17adco.html |title=Revising a Name, but Not a Familiar Slogan |last=Quenqua |first=Douglas |date=January 17, 2008 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chronicle.com/article/United-Negro-College-Fund/40274 |title=United Negro College Fund Decides Its Great Tag Line Is a Terrible Thing to Waste |last=Schmidt |first=Peter |date=January 17, 2008 |website=The Chronicle of Higher Education}}</ref>
In 2025, billionaire philanthropist [[MacKenzie Scott]] donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Associated Press |title=MacKenzie Scott donates $70M to United Negro College Fund to support HBCUs |url=https://apnews.com/article/mackenzie-scott-hbcu-donation-4db7e27b4b1180f2b7969f1a1910a350 |work=Associated Press |date=September 10, 2025 |access-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> The donation is intended to promote financial stability, capacity building, and long-term sustainability for HBCUs.<ref name="AP2025" /> UNCF announced that the funds would be distributed to address both immediate institutional needs and broader inequities in higher-education funding for historically Black institutions.<ref name="AP2025" />


== Fundraising and the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars ==
== Fundraising and the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars ==
{{Education in the U.S.}}
{{Education in the U.S.}}
[[File:United Negro College Fund DC.JPG|thumb|United Negro College Fund headquarters in Washington, D.C.]]
[[File:United Negro College Fund DC.JPG|thumb|United Negro College Fund headquarters in Washington, D.C.]]
The UNCF has received charitable donations for its scholarship programs.  One of the more high-profile donations made was by then-senator and future [[U.S. President]] [[John F. Kennedy]] who donated the money from the [[Pulitzer Prize]] for his book ''[[Profiles in Courage]]'' to the Fund. Another significant donation was made in 1990 by [[Walter Annenberg]], who donated $50 million to the fund.<ref>[http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/african/2000/1990.htm B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211134655/http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/african/2000/1990.htm |date=February 11, 2010 }}</ref>
The UNCF has received charitable donations for its scholarship programs.  One of the more high-profile donations made was by then-senator and future [[U.S. President]] [[John F. Kennedy]] who donated the money from the [[Pulitzer Prize]] for his book ''[[Profiles in Courage]]'' to the Fund. Another significant donation was made in 1990 by [[Walter Annenberg]], who donated $50 million to the fund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/Library/african/2000/1990.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211134655/http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/african/2000/1990.htm|title=African-Americans in the Twentieth Century|archivedate=February 11, 2010|website=www.liu.edu}}</ref>


Beginning in 1980, singer [[Lou Rawls]] began the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" [[telethon]] to benefit the UNCF. The annual event, now known as "An Evening of Stars", consists of stories of successful African-American students who have graduated or benefited from one of the many historically black colleges and universities and who received support from the UNCF.  The telethon featured comedy and musical performances from various artists in support of the UNCF's and Rawls' efforts. The event has raised over $200 million in 27 shows for the fund through 2006.<ref name="prnewstoday.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=music&dat=20060106&rl=DCF04006012006-1 |title=United Negro College Fund :: An Evening of Stars Continues in Memory of Lou Rawls |website=www.prnewstoday.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313124917/http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=music&dat=20060106&rl=DCF04006012006-1 |archive-date=13 March 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Beginning in 1980, singer [[Lou Rawls]] began the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" [[telethon]] to benefit the UNCF. The annual event, now known as "An Evening of Stars", consists of stories of successful African-American students who have graduated or benefited from one of the many historically black colleges and universities and who received support from the UNCF.  The telethon featured comedy and musical performances from various artists in support of the UNCF's and Rawls' efforts. The event has raised over $200 million in 27 shows for the fund through 2006.<ref name="prnewstoday.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=music&dat=20060106&rl=DCF04006012006-1 |title=United Negro College Fund :: An Evening of Stars Continues in Memory of Lou Rawls |website=www.prnewstoday.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313124917/http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=music&dat=20060106&rl=DCF04006012006-1 |archive-date=13 March 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
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===Alabama===
===Alabama===
* [[Miles College]], [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/miles-college
* [[Miles College]], [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/miles-college Miles College]
* [[Oakwood University]], [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/oakwood-university
* [[Oakwood University]], [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/oakwood-university Oakwood University]
* [[Stillman College]], [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/stillman-college
* [[Stillman College]], [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/stillman-college Stillman College]
* [[Talladega College]], [[Talladega, Alabama|Talladega]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/talladega-college
* [[Talladega College]], [[Talladega, Alabama|Talladega]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/talladega-college Talladega College]
* [[Tuskegee University]], [[Tuskegee, Alabama|Tuskegee]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/tuskegee-university
* [[Tuskegee University]], [[Tuskegee, Alabama|Tuskegee]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/tuskegee-university Tuskegee University]


===Arkansas===
===Arkansas===
* [[Philander Smith College]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/philander-smith-college
* [[Philander Smith College]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/philander-smith-college Philander Smith University]


===Florida===
===Florida===
* [[Bethune-Cookman University]], [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/bethune-cookman-university
* [[Bethune-Cookman University]], [[Daytona Beach, Florida|Daytona Beach]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/bethune-cookman-university Bethune-Cookman University]
* [[Edward Waters College]], [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/edward-waters-college
* [[Edward Waters College]], [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/edward-waters-college Edward Waters University]
* [[Florida Memorial University]], [[Miami Gardens, Florida|Miami Gardens]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/florida-memorial-university
* [[Florida Memorial University]], [[Miami Gardens, Florida|Miami Gardens]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/florida-memorial-university Florida Memorial University]


===Georgia===
===Georgia===
* [[Clark Atlanta University]], [[Atlanta]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/clark-atlanta
* [[Clark Atlanta University]], [[Atlanta]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/clark-atlanta Clark Atlanta University]
* [[Interdenominational Theological Center]], Atlanta, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/interdenominational-theological-center
* [[Interdenominational Theological Center]], Atlanta, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/interdenominational-theological-center Interdenominational Theological Center]
* [[Morehouse College]], Atlanta, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/morehouse-college
* [[Morehouse College]], Atlanta, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/morehouse-college Morehouse College]
* [[Paine College]], [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/paine-college
* [[Paine College]], [[Augusta, Georgia|Augusta]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/paine-college Paine College]
* [[Spelman College]], Atlanta, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/spelman-college
* [[Spelman College]], Atlanta, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/spelman-college Spelman College]


===Louisiana===
===Louisiana===
* [[Dillard University]], [[New Orleans]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/dillard-university
* [[Dillard University]], [[New Orleans]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/dillard-university Dillard University]
* [[Xavier University of Louisiana]], New Orleans, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/xavier-university
* [[Xavier University of Louisiana]], New Orleans, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/xavier-university Xavier University of Louisiana]


===Mississippi===
===Mississippi===
* [[Rust College]], [[Holly Springs, Mississippi|Holly Springs]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/rust-college
* [[Rust College]], [[Holly Springs, Mississippi|Holly Springs]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/rust-college Rust College]
* [[Tougaloo College]], [[Tougaloo, Mississippi|Tougaloo]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/tougaloo-college
* [[Tougaloo College]], [[Tougaloo, Mississippi|Tougaloo]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/tougaloo-college Tougaloo College]


===North Carolina===
===North Carolina===


* [[Bennett College]], [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/bennett-college
* [[Bennett College]], [[Greensboro, North Carolina|Greensboro]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/bennett-college Bennett College]
* [[Johnson C. Smith University]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/johnson-c-smith-university
* [[Johnson C. Smith University]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/johnson-c-smith-university Johnson C. Smith University]
* [[Livingstone College]], [[Salisbury, North Carolina|Salisbury]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/livingstone-college
* [[Livingstone College]], [[Salisbury, North Carolina|Salisbury]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/livingstone-college Livingstone College]
* [[St. Augustine's College (North Carolina)|Saint Augustine's University]], [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/saint-augustines-university
* [[St. Augustine's College (North Carolina)|Saint Augustine's University]], [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/saint-augustines-university Saint Augustine’s University]
* [[Shaw University]], Raleigh, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/shaw-university
* [[Shaw University]], Raleigh, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/shaw-university Shaw University]


===Ohio===
===Ohio===
* [[Wilberforce University]], [[Wilberforce, Ohio|Wilberforce]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/wilberforce-university
* [[Wilberforce University]], [[Wilberforce, Ohio|Wilberforce]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/wilberforce-university Wilberforce University]


===South Carolina===
===South Carolina===


* [[Allen University]], [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/allen-university
* [[Allen University]], [[Columbia, South Carolina|Columbia]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/allen-university Allen University]
* [[Benedict College]], Columbia, https://uncf.org/member-colleges/benedict-college
* [[Benedict College]], Columbia, [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/benedict-college Benedict College]
* [[Claflin University]], [[Orangeburg, South Carolina|Orangeburg]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/claflin-university
* [[Claflin University]], [[Orangeburg, South Carolina|Orangeburg]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/claflin-university Claflin University]
* [[Morris College]], [[Sumter, South Carolina|Sumter]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/morris-college
* [[Morris College]], [[Sumter, South Carolina|Sumter]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/morris-college Morris College]
* [[Voorhees College]], [[Denmark, South Carolina|Denmark]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/voorhees-college
* [[Voorhees College]], [[Denmark, South Carolina|Denmark]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/voorhees-college Voorhees University]


===Tennessee===
===Tennessee===
* [[Fisk University]], [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/fisk-university
* [[Fisk University]], [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/fisk-university Fisk University]
* [[Lane College]], [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/lane-college
* [[Lane College]], [[Jackson, Tennessee|Jackson]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/lane-college Lane College]
* [[LeMoyne-Owen College]], [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/lemoyne-owen-college
* [[LeMoyne-Owen College]], [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/lemoyne-owen-college LeMoyne-Owen College]


===Texas===
===Texas===
* [[Huston–Tillotson University]], [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/huston-tillotson
* [[Huston–Tillotson University]], [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/huston-tillotson Huston-Tillotson University]
* [[Jarvis Christian College]], [[Hawkins, Texas|Hawkins]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/jarvis-christian-college
* [[Jarvis Christian College]], [[Hawkins, Texas|Hawkins]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/jarvis-christian-college Jarvis Christian University]
* [[Texas College]], [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/texas-college
* [[Texas College]], [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/texas-college Texas College]
* [[Wiley College]], [[Marshall, Texas|Marshall]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/wiley-college
* [[Wiley College]], [[Marshall, Texas|Marshall]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/wiley-college Wiley University]


===Virginia===
===Virginia===
* [[Virginia Union University]], [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], https://uncf.org/member-colleges/virginia-union-university
* [[Virginia Union University]], [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], [https://uncf.org/member-colleges/virginia-union-university Virginia Union University]


== Member HBCUs (tabular) ==
== Member HBCUs (tabular) ==

Latest revision as of 08:27, 15 October 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Distinguish".Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists

UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, is an American philanthropic organization that funds scholarships for black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private historically black colleges and universities. UNCF was incorporated on April 25, 1944, by Frederick D. Patterson (then president of what became Tuskegee University), Mary McLeod Bethune, and others. UNCF is headquartered at 1805 7th Street, NW in Washington, D.C.[1] In 2005, UNCF supported approximately 65,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities with approximately $113 million in grants and scholarships. About 60% of these students are the first in their families to attend college, and 62% have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. UNCF also administers over 450 named scholarships.

UNCF's president and chief executive officer is Michael Lomax. Past presidents of the UNCF included William H. Gray[2] and Vernon Jordan.[3]

Scholarships

Though founded to address funding inequities in education resources for African Americans, UNCF-administered scholarships are open to all ethnicities; the great majority of recipients are still African-American. It provides scholarships to students attending its member colleges as well as to those going elsewhere.[4]

Graduates of UNCF member institutions and scholarships have included many Black people in the fields of business, politics, health care and the arts. Some prominent UNCF alumni include: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and leader in the civil rights movement; Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor; movie director Spike Lee; actor Samuel L. Jackson; General Chappie James, the U.S. Air Force’s first black four-star general; and Dr. David Satcher, a former U.S. Surgeon General and director of the Centers for Disease Control.[5]

History

In 1944 William J. Trent, a long-time activist for education for black people, joined with Tuskegee Institute President Frederick D. Patterson and Mary McLeod Bethune to found the UNCF, a nonprofit that united college presidents to raise money collectively through an "appeal to the national conscience". As the first executive director from the organization's start in 1944 until 1964, Trent raised $78 million for historically Black colleges so they could become "strong citadels of learning, carriers of the American dream, seedbeds of social evolution and revolution".[6] In 2008, reflecting shifting attitudes toward the word Negro in its name, the UNCF shifted from using its full name to using only its initials, releasing a new logo with the initials alone and featuring their slogan more prominently.[7][8]

In 2025, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).[9] The donation is intended to promote financial stability, capacity building, and long-term sustainability for HBCUs.[10] UNCF announced that the funds would be distributed to address both immediate institutional needs and broader inequities in higher-education funding for historically Black institutions.[10]

Fundraising and the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars

Template:Education in the U.S.

File:United Negro College Fund DC.JPG
United Negro College Fund headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The UNCF has received charitable donations for its scholarship programs. One of the more high-profile donations made was by then-senator and future U.S. President John F. Kennedy who donated the money from the Pulitzer Prize for his book Profiles in Courage to the Fund. Another significant donation was made in 1990 by Walter Annenberg, who donated $50 million to the fund.[11]

Beginning in 1980, singer Lou Rawls began the "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars" telethon to benefit the UNCF. The annual event, now known as "An Evening of Stars", consists of stories of successful African-American students who have graduated or benefited from one of the many historically black colleges and universities and who received support from the UNCF. The telethon featured comedy and musical performances from various artists in support of the UNCF's and Rawls' efforts. The event has raised over $200 million in 27 shows for the fund through 2006.[12]

In January 2004, Rawls was honored by the United Negro College Fund for his more than 25 years of charity work with the organization. Instead of Rawls' hosting and performing, he was given the seat of honor and celebrated by his performing colleagues, including Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays, Gerald Levert, Ashanti, and several others. Before his death in January 2006, Rawls' last performance was a taping for the 2006 telethon that honored Wonder, months before entering the hospital after being diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year.[12]

In addition to the telethon, there are a number of other fundraising activities, including the "Walk for Education" held annually in Los Angeles, California, which includes a five kilometer walk/run. In Houston, Texas, the Cypresswood Golf Club hosts an annual golf tournament in April.[13]

In 2014, Koch Industries Inc. and the Charles Koch Foundation made a $25 million grant to UNCF.[14] In protest of the Kochs, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a major labor union, ended its yearly $50,000–60,000 support for UNCF.[15]

In 2015, the Lilly Endowment donated $50 million to UNCF to establish the Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) for HBCUs.[16]

In June 2020, Netflix founder Reed Hastings donated $120 million to the UNCF to be used as scholarship funds for students enrolled at UNCF institutions. His donation was the largest in UNCF history.[17][18]

In 2024, the Lilly Endowment added to its 2015 gift and awarded a $100 million unrestricted grant to UNCF's $1 billion capital campaign.[16]

The UNCF motto

In 1972, the UNCF adopted as its motto the maxim "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." This maxim has become one of the most widely recognized slogans in advertising history.[19] The motto was notably mangled in a 1989 address to the organization by then–Vice President of the United States Dan Quayle, who stated: "And you take the U.N.C.F. model that what a waste it is to lose one's mind or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is."[20] The motto, which has been used in numerous award-winning UNCF ad campaigns, was created by Forest Long, of the advertising agency Young & Rubicam, in partnership with the Ad Council.[21]

A lesser-known slogan the UNCF also uses, in reference to its intended beneficiaries, points out that they're "not asking for a handout, just a hand."[22]

UNCF member institutions

Alabama

Arkansas

Florida

Georgia

Louisiana

Mississippi

North Carolina

Ohio

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Member HBCUs (tabular)

The member HCBUs include (tabular):[23]

Name City State Established Endowment Students Religious affiliation Sporting affiliations
Allen University Columbia South Carolina 1870 $0.31 million 817 African Methodist Episcopal Church NCAA Division II, SIAC
Benedict College Columbia South Carolina 1870 $21.6 million 2,040 American Baptist Churches USA NCAA Division II, SIAC
Bennett College Greensboro North Carolina 1873 $13.7 million 311 United Methodist Church unaffiliated
Bethune–Cookman University Daytona Beach Florida 1904 $28.9 million 2,901 United Methodist Church NCAA Division I FCS, SWAC
Claflin University Orangeburg South Carolina 1869 $28.6 million 2,070 United Methodist Church NCAA Division II, CIAA
Clark Atlanta University Atlanta Georgia 1865 $72.5 million 3,920 United Methodist Church NCAA Division II, SIAC
Dillard University New Orleans Louisiana 1869 $94.2 million 1,225 United Church of Christ,
United Methodist Church 		NAIA, HBCUAC
Edward Waters College Jacksonville Florida 1866 $1.68 million 3,085 African Methodist Episcopal Church NCAA Division II, SIAC
Fisk University Nashville Tennessee 1866 $25.5 million 874 United Church of Christ NAIA, HBCUAC
Florida Memorial University Miami Gardens Florida 1879 $4.0 million 1,097 American Baptist Churches USA NAIA, TSC
Huston–Tillotson University Austin Texas 1875 $10.9 million 1,121 United Methodist Church,
United Church of Christ 		NAIA, RRAC
Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta Georgia 1958 $7.68 million 265 n/a n/a
Jarvis Christian College Hawkins Texas 1912 $10.7 million 867 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) NAIA, RRAC
Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte North Carolina 1867 $69.0 million 1,494 Presbyterian Church (USA) NCAA Division II, CIAA
Lane College Jackson Tennessee 1882 $4.9 million 1,267 Christian Methodist Episcopal Church NCAA Division II, SIAC
LeMoyne–Owen College Memphis Tennessee 1968 $52 million 835 United Church of Christ NCAA Division II, SIAC
Livingstone College Salisbury North Carolina 1879 $4.97 million 1,122 African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church NCAA Division II, CIAA
Miles College Birmingham Alabama 1898 $23.3 million 1,456 CME Church NCAA Division II, SIAC
Morehouse College Atlanta Georgia 1867 $156.0 million 2,238 n/a NCAA Division II, SIAC
Morris College Sumter South Carolina 1908 $10.3 million 600 Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina NAIA – Independent
Oakwood University Huntsville Alabama 1896 $19.7 million 1,526 Seventh-day Adventist Church USCAA Division I
Paine College Augusta Georgia 1882 $12.1 million 448 United Methodist Church,
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 		NCCAA
Philander Smith College Little Rock Arkansas 1877 $9.28 million 996 United Methodist Church NAIA, HBCUAC
Rust College Holly Springs Mississippi 1866 $37.0 million 738 United Methodist Church NAIA, HBCUAC
Saint Augustine's University Raleigh North Carolina 1867 $20.6 million 899 Episcopal Church NCAA Division II, CIAA
Shaw University Raleigh North Carolina 1865 $10.9 million 1,291 National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.,
American Baptist Churches, USA 		NCAA Division II, CIAA
Spelman College Atlanta Georgia 1881 $390.0 million 2,120 n/a n/a
Stillman College Tuscaloosa Alabama 1876 $19.1 million 861 Presbyterian Church (USA) NAIA, HBCUAC
Talladega College Talladega Alabama 1867 $2.59 million 1,239 United Church of Christ NAIA, HBCUAC
Texas College Tyler Texas 1894 $5.43 million 940 Christian Methodist Episcopal Church NAIA – RRAC, SAC
Tougaloo College Tougaloo Mississippi 1869 $17.6 million 716 United Church of Christ,
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 		NAIA, HBCUAC
Tuskegee University Tuskegee Alabama 1881 $129.0 million 2,876 n/a NCAA Division II, SIAC
Virginia Union University Richmond Virginia 1865 $33.4 million 1,451 American Baptist Churches USA NCAA Division II, CIAA
Voorhees College Denmark South Carolina 1897 $8.06 million 510 Episcopal Church NAIA – HBCUAC
Wilberforce University Wilberforce Ohio 1856 $6.71 million 566 African Methodist Episcopal Church NAIA – HBCUAC
Wiley College Marshall Texas 1879 $6.17 million 712 United Methodist Church NAIA, HBCUAC
Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans Louisiana 1925 $171.0 million 3,325 Catholic (Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament) NAIA, RRAC

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:African American topics Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ "Contact Us Template:Webarchive". United Negro College Fund. Accessed October 8, 2013.
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  6. ↑ Wharton Alumni Magazine, Spring 2007
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  10. ↑ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AP2025
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ a b UNCF News (January 11, 2024). UNCF Receives $100 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Support Capital Campaign. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Template:Usurped
  20. ↑ Dowd, Maureen. "The Education of Dan Quayle". The New York Times. June 25, 1989.
  21. ↑ See the UNCF website.
  22. ↑ Gasman, Marybeth (2007). Envisioning Black Colleges: A History of the United Negro College Fund (page 192). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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