More than 500,000 students helped to realize their college dreams UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today celebrates its 80th anniversary as the nation’s leading advocate for education equity and economic mobility. In recognition of today’s historic moment in time, UNCF has been invited to ring today’s closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange at 4:00 p.m. ET. The closing bell can be viewed here and on the stock exchange’s social channels. UNCF New York Scholar Kiara Nicole Brown, a graduate of Howard University, Class of 2023, will serve as the bell ringer. In the Windy City, the no. 1 R& ..read more

Through events like this, UNCF—now in its 80th year—is changing the HBCU narrative across the nation by helping more students of color get to and through college As a major part of our yearlong 80th anniversary celebration, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) will host the UNCF Michigan “A Mind Is…”® Gala, Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Townsend Hotel.  A VIP Reception (by invitation only) begins at 6:30 pm and the Gala at 7:30 pm.  Several corporate partners, educators, religious leaders and community influencers are expected to attend. For 80 years, UNCF has strived to change the HBCU nar ..read more

Among 20 Charities Receiving Proceeds UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Detroit is proud to announce it is among 20 nonprofit organizations addressing important causes including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to receive the proceeds from a special auction held during the weekend of the recent NFL draft held in Detroit. The DCLEATED art installation – made up of 20 oversized cleat sculptures painted by local Detroit artists – are being auctioned off online by Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission to benefit area charities including UNCF. An anonymous donor gifted ..read more

Third consecutive year Biden administration proposes increased funding for HBCUs UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today expressed strong support for President Biden’s budget legislation, which prioritized urgent needs for our country—with an emphasis on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Today, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is defending the president’s budget before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. The budget funds federal programs, agencies and departments. “The Biden-Harris administration budge ..read more

Veteran communications professional who previously served as UNCF national communications director UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today announced the promotion of Monique LeNoir to Vice President, Branding, Marketing and Communications. LeNoir previously served as UNCF’s national director, communications, for nine years, where she oversaw the day-to-day activities of the department. “During the past five months in her role as interim vice president, Monique has demonstrated exemplary leadership, steering the department with accountability, transparency and forward-thinking vision. In additio ..read more

Significant step towards fostering faculty research, professional development and strategic partnerships 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 Kroger, Lightcast and Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property. These mini-grant opportunities were presented at the UNCF UNITE 2023 conference, marking a significant step towards fostering faculty research, professional development and strategic partnerships. The Faculty Research Mini-Grant program, with gene ..read more

Gift made as UNCF celebrates its 80th anniversary Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) has made a generous donation of $1 million to UNCF (United Negro College Fund). The donation will support educational initiatives at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that promote unity and strengthen partnerships between Black and Jewish organizations, students and leadership to combat all forms of hate. Kraft announced the donation during a national meeting of UNCF’s Board of Directors and served as one of the highl ..read more

Fisk Jubilee Singers and Vanessa Williams rocked the house! UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is thrilled to announce the monumental success of its national 80th Anniversary “A Mind Is…”® Gala which raised $2.2 million in support of its mission to provide access to higher educational opportunities for underrepresented students to go to and through college and to achieve a better future for our nation. The gala, held on March 7 in Washington, DC, celebrated the achievements of UNCF and honored exceptional philanthropists and corporate industry leaders, and kicked off the year’s 80th anniversary ..read more

College basketball has its March Madness. So does UNCF (United Negro College Fund). UNCF is hosting seven fundraising events over four days in major cities across the country as part of its yearlong 80th anniversary celebration. Festive luncheons, galas and mayor’s masked balls serve as premier fundraising and social events, focusing on raising public awareness of the importance of supporting deserving students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and generating large corporate and individual donations to help these students meet the expenses of a higher education. S ..read more

In partnership with UNCF (United Negro College Fund), Macy’s raised nearly $1.4 million to support students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) during this year’s Black History Month observance. For the third consecutive year, Macy’s, one of the nation’s premier retailers, galvanized its customers across the United States through in-store and online charitable efforts to support UNCF and raise funds for students attending HBCUs. From January 15, Martin Luther King Day, throughout the month of February, Macy’s customers directly impacted and empowered the next generat ..read more