Through our shared learning practices, we strive to build an ecosystem of partners to advance higher education for all.
Historic partnerships. Historic change.
For more than 80 years, UNCF has served as a beacon for those ready to invest in—and act on—the belief that no mind should be wasted nor any dream deferred.
UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building partners with HBCUs, their supporters and champions to advance the idea that higher education should be available to all who strive for it.
Higher education is one of the surest paths to progress and achieving the American dream, offering a remarkable return-on-investment for families and communities across the country.
Our role is to support those institutions who invest in the success of every student and uplifting all communities.
New Research by UNCF and Healthy Minds Network Shows Strong Mental Health Outcomes Among HBCU Students
UNCF’s latest research highlights the mental health advantages of HBCU students, showing stronger flourishing rates, a greater sense of belonging, and lower anxiety levels compared to their peers nationally. The study explores ‘The HBCU Effect’ on mental well-being and invites institutions to a webinar on March 20 to discuss key findings. Read more and register today.
UNCF Announces Launch of HBCU Wealth Building Initiative
In February 2025, UNCF launched a new initiative designed to amplify the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in building and sustaining wealth for their communities.
Assessing the Financial Risk and Health of UNCF Institutions
The UNCF Financial Benchmarking Report offers an in-depth analysis of the financial landscape of UNCF Member Institutions, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges…
All HBCUs and PBIs Invited to Participate in Unprecedented Summit on Future of Black Education
For the first time in the event’s history, the UNITE team has extended five complimentary invitations to every historically Black college and university (HBCU) and Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in the nation.
Adage Capital’s $10 Million Gift Launches UNCF’s Project ACCLAIM to Accelerate HBCU Student Pathways into Financial Services
Students will receive experience and will be empowered with substantial influence over decisions to help sustain the future of their institutions EDGARTOWN, MA (Aug. 15,…
UNCF and Founding HBCUs Sign Historic Agreement to Launch HBCUv, a Digital Learning and Community Engagement Platform “By HBCUs, for HBCUs”
A transformative moment for champions of Black higher education. ATLANTA, GA (Aug. 8, 2024)—In a landmark event that promises to redefine the future of higher…
In Pivotal Moment for the Nation, Top Government, Industry and Philanthropic Leaders Convene to Discuss Future of HBCUs
Speeches on Black education to be delivered by US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S.Regan, Pulitzer Prize Winner Nikole Hannah Jones, Xerox CEO Steven Bandrowczak…
HBCU Collective Impact Announces New Campaign
The HBCU Collective Impact is a group of organizations that have joined together for the purpose of supporting the HBCU community with the power of…
UNCF Releases a Call to Action for Enhanced Mental Health Support at HBCUs Ahead of a Groundbreaking Fall 2024 Report
Today, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and its Institute for Capacity Building announced the publication of “From Awareness to Action: The Imperative for Enhanced Mental…
More Than 2,300 Nonprofits, Brands and Influential Leaders to Activate for Fourth Annual Mental Health Action Day
SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios, in partnership with more than 2,300 leading brands, nonprofits and cultural leaders globally, today announced the fourth-annual Mental Health Action Day, to…
UNCF Institute for Capacity Building Announces Recipients of 2023-2024 Faculty Research Mini-Grant Programs
UNCF’s (United Negro College Fund) Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Faculty Research Mini-Grant programs, sponsored by…
UNCF Names Legendary Educator Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole as President-In-Residence and Co-Chairperson of its $1 Billion Capital Campaign
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is honored today to announce that distinguished scholar, anthropologist and academic pacesetter Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D., has accepted a president-in-residence…
INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK
HBCUs are economic engines for self-sustaining futures, making it possible for everyone to live the American Dream.
Dr. Michael L. Lomax
President & CEO
UNCF
Funders & Partners
ICB Structure
HBCUv: Shaping the online future – by HBCUs, for HBCUs
UNCF is designing an online platform for lifelong learners to flourish together and celebrate the power of an HBCU education—from anywhere.
WE ASPIRE TO SERVE OUR NATION’S HBCUs AND MISSION-ALIGNED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
IF NOT FOR HBCUs…
One small step could have been too big a leap.
When Apollo 11 touched down in the Sea of Tranquility that July night in 1969, it was made possible by the invaluable calculations of NASA mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan (Wilberforce University) and Katherine Johnson (West Virginia State University).
With your support, this legacy of shaping the future will continue.
DONATE TODAY
IF NOT FOR HBCUs..
The Civil Rights Movement wouldn’t have gone as far.
Many of the champions of the 1950s and 60s movement were HBCU graduates, including: Kwame Ture (Howard University), Medgar Evers (Alcorn State), Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse College) and Rosa Parks (Alabama State).
With your support, this legacy of shaping the future will continue.
DONATE TODAY
IF NOT FOR HBCUs…
Head Start would have been a non-starter.
Spelman College graduate Marian Wright Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund, which fights for significant policies like the national Head Start program that has helped lift generations of kids out of poverty.
With your support, this legacy of shaping the future will continue.
DONATE TODAY
IF NOT FOR HBCUs…
There would be no rising Black middle class.
Within 10 years of graduation, HBCU diploma-holders typically earn more than $71,000 a year, earning $1 million more over their lifetimes than peers who did not go to college. HBCU students who are the first in their families to graduate from college will not be the last, transforming entire communities.
With your support, this legacy of shaping the future will continue.
DONATE TODAY
How many of the 102 HBCUs
can you name?
