About Institute for Capacity Building
No single group of institutions is more responsible for the economic, social and legal progress of our nation’s Black families than those institutions of higher education serving primarily Black students.
The legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) is one of remarkable progress, providing the nation with unparalleled organizations who advance equity while contending with marginalization and injustice.
UNCF founded the Institute for Capacity Building in 2006 to build upon its heritage of supporting Black colleges and their outsized impact on student success and community progress.
Recent News and Events
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…
“The strategic, deliberate and collaborative advocacy of UNCF led to historic funding levels, making the difference between our surviving and thriving.”
—Dr. George T. French, Jr.
President, Clark Atlanta UniversityINSTITUTE FOR CAPACITY BUILDING
Mission Statement
We partner with Black colleges and universities to propel our shared pursuit of student success, community advancement and the fight for racial-justice equity.
A RACIAL-JUSTICE APPROACH
to institutional transformation and educational equity.
How we define racial justice
The fair and just empowerment of all racial identities, resulting in equal opportunities, equitable outcomes and liberation for all people. Racial justice is achieved through responsive systems, structures and processes, as well as deliberate, dynamic, proactive and preventative supports—all consciously designed to right historic and social wrongs.
We partner with institutions to:
Prioritize development of the people, processes and technologies required to provide high-quality educational experiences.
Identify sponsored, grant-funded or revenue-generating activities to fuel continued momentum toward transformation.
Insist on network-wide sharing of knowledge and best practices to achieve scale.
Our Background
UNCF: An unceasing champion for Black higher education
UNCF was born out of exclusion—founded in 1944 to safeguard, through joint institutional fundraising, the only means for most Black citizens to attain a higher education. We soon became the nation’s largest college scholarship provider for Black and other marginalized students, further establishing ourselves as an engine of the Black middle class.
In 2006, UNCF doubled down on supporting and expediting the transformation of our partner colleges and universities to become more sustainable and more impactful. Out of this effort grew the Institute for Capacity Building.
UNCF: An unceasing champion for Black students and institutes of Black higher education.
Black Colleges and Universities
Black and other marginalized students
The Institute for Capacity Building celebrates the existence and resilience of HBCUs by leading transformation strategies.
Chanel L. Fort
Director of Academic Innovation
Stillman College