The nation’s largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) just set an all-time record for fundraising.
According to NPR, North Carolina A&T State University has raised $88 million since its fiscal year began last summer, which is nearly six times what the university normally fundraises annually, and it’s not even over yet.
The university’s new fundraising brings its total to $181.4 million, completing its eight-year campaign, according to an announcement from administrators. Including its endowment, N.C. A&T’s assets are also now listed at $153 million, making it the most of any public HBCU ever.
“There has not been a year like that ever in our history,” Todd Simmons — N.C. A&T’s associate vice chancellor for university relations — told NPR. “Nor has there been a year like that in the history of nearly any other public HBCU in America.”
One of the largest supporters was author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott — better known as the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Last year, Scott became the wealthiest woman in the world after Amazon stock soared during the pandemic. That same year, she donated more than $4 billion to 384 organizations across the nation and more than $1.7 billion across a dozen HBCUs — including Howard University, Prairie View A&M University and N.C. A&T.
Other HBCUs have also had outstanding fundraising this year, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund — which advocates for both public and private funding for public HBCUs — has reported large donations for the many universities it represents.
