UNITE Calls to Action
Endowment Survey
INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE
UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building and its Financial Sustainability division are seeking to learn more about the institutional structure, investment attitude and capabilities, and asset allocation for HBCU endowment funds.
The research will be conducted in the form of a survey that should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The survey will be administered in conjunction with a research firm and will protect the anonymity of all responses. The survey should be completed by a key decision-maker for your endowment investment strategy, or similar person who has responsibility for one or more of the following: evaluating and selecting investments, developing investment policy/objectives, asset allocation advice, manager selection and monitoring, and impacting investing. Participants will receive an incentive for their participation.
HBCU Transformation Project
INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE
Follow the progress of the HBCU Transformation Project (an unprecedented joint effort of UNCF, the Thurgood Marshall Education Fund and the Partnership for Education Advancement) to drive tangible, long-term progress across HBCUs by increasing their health and sustainability, improving student outcomes, expanding enrollment, and bolstering the capacity of faculty and staff.
HBCU Voices
INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE
HBCU VOICES: Executive Leaders, Unfiltered is a new podcast series exploring the innovations, transformations and advancements at HBCUs. Hosted by Dr. Zillah Fluker, Director of Executive Leadership, and Aja Johnson, Senior Program Manager, both at the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building.
Philanthropy Institute
INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE
The UNCF Philanthropy Institute is propelling the professional development and networking of those responsible for raising considerable funds and support for HBCUs and other underserved organizations. Find out more and how you can get involved at our webpage.
Mental Health Research
STUDENT SUCCESS
In partnership with Healthy Minds and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, UNCF finalized a Black college mental health survey module that is focused specifically on the experience of Black students. It is not too late to join! Thanks to generous sponsorship, the first 40 HBCUs and PBIs to sign up will be able to participate at no cost to the institution during the Fall 2023 semester. A coordinator from Healthy Minds Study will be assigned to each institution to support distribution of the survey and analysis after the close of the survey.
DREF Research
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
The Delta Research and Educational Foundation, in collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Council of Negro Women, is encouraging the participation of African Americans in clinical trials and biomedical research to build a database primarily comprised of diverse and traditionally underrepresented populations
Getty Images Scholarships
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Grant opportunity: Getty Images is committed to preserving the visual history of HBCUs through the Getty Images Photo Digitization Grants Program. HBCUs are invited to apply for a grant to support the digitizing of their photographic libraries, making this valuable visual history more accessible for academic research and other educational purposes.
HBCUv Announcement
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
HBCUv is building the next generation of HBCU online and virtual education, bringing to exponentially more a virtual ecosystem where the Black college and university community can flourish together. Sign up for in an institutional informational webinar at noon on September 19, 2023.
Kroger Mini Grant
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Grant opportunity: Kroger’s Zero Hunger The Zero Waste initiative is looking for ways of promoting a more resilient, equitable and sustainable food system that improves access to affordable, fresh food for everyone.
Lightcast Mini Grant
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
GRANT OPPORTUNITY. Lightcast connects people with jobs by providing businesses, communities, and education institutions with the best labor market data possible. Our data-driven insight enables better, faster decisions. Learn More About Lightcast Grant by completing this Lightcast Career Services Practitioner Mini Grant Form.
Michelson Mini Grants
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Grant opportunity: The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, dedicated to advancing intellectual property, education, research, and entrepreneurship, is seeking research proposals that advance their goals of fostering a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation, creativity, and responsible IP practices.
Climate Action Research
SYSTEMS CHANGE
The UNCF ICB is undertaking a grant-supported Climate Action process to explore how HBCUs can impact and mitigate the damage of climate change, including in curriculum design, campus facilities, federal contracts, community engagement, public advocacy, endowment strategy, student activation, procurement, and research. Take part.
Kroger: Food Insecurity Webinar
SYSTEMS CHANGE
This September, a unique partnership between UNCF and Kroger will host an innovative webinar on the growing issue of food insecurity
Sign up now and be part of the conversation to help create a world where no one has to go hungry.
Mellon Grant Awards
SYSTEMS CHANGE
The UNCF Mellon Grant partnership seeks to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Through this partnership, UNCF and the Mellon Foundation provide significant financial support and resources to HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions, enabling them to enhance their academic programs, expand faculty development initiatives, and strengthen the infrastructure necessary for fostering inclusive learning environments.