MacKenzie Scott Pledges Major Donation to Alabama State University

MONTGOMERY, AL - October 29, 2025 Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has committed a record-setting gift to Alabama State University (ASU), marking the largest donation in the institution’s history. According to multiple reports, the contribution stands at approximately $38 million and will be directed toward strengthening ASU’s endowment and advancing student-success initiatives.

Scott, known for her transformative “no-strings” grants to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has chosen ASU at a pivotal moment: the university is working to expand its research profile and enhance support for lower-income students. The unrestricted nature of the funds is expected to give ASU leadership flexibility to deploy resources where they are most needed.

Supporters of the gift say it signals confidence in ASU’s leadership and mission of access and equity in higher education. However, some experts caution that large one-time donations - even generous ones - must be accompanied by sustainable strategies if they are to build lasting institutional capacity rather than simply provide a short-term boost.

Still, for ASU the timing could not be better: the gift arrives as HBCUs face mounting pressure to diversify revenue streams and increase research activity amid shifting federal and philanthropic landscapes. The injection of significant unrestricted capital may help ASU chart a more resilient future in higher ed.

*Sources: *https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/mackenzie-scott-donates-38m-alabama-232215533.html