$80 million new unrestricted gift to university from Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence cover subject, mega-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
When billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott first began her quiet but sweeping campaign to support historically Black colleges and universities in 2020, few could have predicted the depth of her commitment.
Now, five years later, her generosity to Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has reached a staggering $80 million, following a new $50 million unrestricted gift just announced.
For the North Carolina-based institution, it is not only the largest donation in its history—it’s a moment that redefines its trajectory.
“This investment empowers us to make a high-quality education accessible, affordable, and within reach for students who never believed college was possible,” said Chancellor Bonita Brown, reflecting on the gift’s transformative potential.
Unlike many significant contributions that come with strict parameters, Scott’s donation is entirely unrestricted—a gesture of trust in the university’s leadership and vision.
The Chancellor and the Board of Trustees will oversee the use of funds, ensuring that every dollar contributes to WSSU’s long-term sustainability and student success.
Scott’s first gift to WSSU in 2020—$30 million—was not spent hastily. Instead, the university made a deliberate choice: to invest in the future.
The majority of the gift was directed toward expanding WSSU’s endowment, thereby strengthening its permanent financial foundation and creating a steady source of support for scholarships and academic initiatives.
Another portion was allocated toward strategic real estate acquisitions, positioning the university for future growth.
Those early investments are starting to yield results.
As the endowment matures, the first scholarships supported by Scott’s original gift will be awarded in 2026, marking a new chapter in the university’s ability to open doors for deserving students.
“Large-scale change requires patience and vision,” Brown noted. “MacKenzie Scott’s trust in us gives us both.”
While some wondered why the university did not immediately channel the funds into visible campus infrastructure—such as new residence halls, classrooms, or labs—the administration’s strategy was pragmatic.
True transformation, they argue, begins with a solid foundation.
With a refreshed Campus Master Plan now in development, WSSU is preparing to channel future resources into building projects, expansion, and modernization with greater financial readiness than ever before.
A campus committee is currently evaluating the best use of newly acquired properties.
At the same time, a comprehensive plan is being developed to ensure the latest $50 million aligns with the university’s evolving strategic vision.
At the same time, WSSU continues to seek gap funding to help students who face small, unexpected financial barriers—balances of $200 or less that can prevent them from registering or graduating.
“The Scott gift ensures long-term growth,” Brown explained, “but we must still meet the immediate needs of students in real time.”
MacKenzie Scott’s contribution arrives not as a one-time act of generosity, but as part of a growing movement to empower HBCUs to chart their own course.
For Winston-Salem State University, it’s a validation of more than a century of excellence—and a bold invitation to imagine the next hundred years.