Overall, her gifts to HBCUs in a single year reflect a strategy of broad, unrestricted support intended to bolster institutional resilience.

Through 2025, Scott has directed more than $740 million to HBCUs, backing institutions such as Howard University, Prairie View A&M, N.C. A&T, Bowie State, Norfolk State, Winston-Salem State, Xavier University of Louisiana, Spelman, and Dillard.

Lincoln President Brenda Allen highlighted that the gift advances the university’s mission to break barriers and create pathways for African Americans, reflecting 171 years of excellence.

This $25 million gift marks Scott’s second contribution to Lincoln and continues her broader pattern of multimillion-dollar, unrestricted gifts to historically Black colleges and universities.

Lincoln University, founded in 1854 as the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, framed the gift as a vote of confidence in its mission and leadership amid 171 years of operation.

The gift is Lincoln University’s largest-ever donation and is unrestricted, enabling the university to direct resources toward scholarships and other initiatives based on current needs and leadership priorities.

Because the funds are unrestricted, Lincoln can allocate support for scholarships and strategic initiatives aligned with its priorities.

Since vowing in 2019 to give away most of her wealth in her lifetime, Scott has donated more than $19 billion to nonprofits, universities, and community organizations.

Scott’s philanthropy represents a historic, ongoing pattern of unrestricted support to HBCUs, collectively contributing to long-term financial stability.

In addition, Scott gave $70 million to the United Negro College Fund to support a shared endowment benefiting nearly 40 HBCUs, amplifying impact nationwide.

Mackenzie Scott’s latest gift to Lincoln University brings her total giving to the institution to $45 million, including a $20 million donation in 2020 and a new $25 million contribution.