United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF)

The United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) is an American philanthropic organization dedicated to funding scholarships for Black students and providing general scholarship funds for 37 private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Incorporated on April 25, 1944, its mission is to cultivate a robust pipeline of under-represented students who, with UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates, and to ensure its network of member institutions serves as a respected model for student success. The organization's headquarters are located at 1805 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. .

UNCF administers over 400 programs, including scholarships, internships, fellowships, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development initiatives . It is recognized as the nation's largest private scholarship provider to minority group members, awarding more than $62 million in scholarships annually to students attending over 600 schools nationwide, including its 37 member HBCUs . The organization also advocates for policies that promote educational attainment and college readiness within the African American community .

Dr. Michael L. Lomax serves as the President and CEO of UNCF, with Milton H. Jones, Jr. chairing its Board of Directors . In recent news, UNCF received a significant $70 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to bolster HBCU endowments, and a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support its capital campaign . The organization continues to expand its strategic partnerships and recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Institute for Capacity Building, reinforcing its position as a leading advocate for minority education .