Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott is back at it again with another unrestricted gift of millions for an HBCU!

In her latest act of selfless giving, Scott has gifted Xavier University with a whopping $38 million. This is the largest private gift the nation’s only historically Black Catholic university has ever received. The university said the unrestricted gift arrives as Xavier closes its centennial year and will bolster affordability, student support, and academic pathways.

Xavier received a $20 million gift from Scott in 2020. The university said these new funds will support priorities including need-based aid, student services, and programs that prepare graduates for careers in medicine and service-driven fields. Reportedly, this major donation is critical to Xavier’s Centennial Capital Campaign and long-term vision as they are navigating budget pressures and recent staffing cuts. 

“This generous gift from MacKenzie Scott fills us with profound gratitude,” Xavier President Dr. Reynold Verret said in the school’s announcement. He added that receiving the investment near the close of the university’s 100th year is both “humbling and inspiring.”

Scott’s gift is the latest wave of major, mostly unrestricted donations to HBCUs this year. This gift is a part of a broader philanthropic push that has included large gifts to institutions such as Howard, Prairie View A&M, and more. Scott’s recent HBCU contributions have been unusually large and flexible, directing funds toward endowments, scholarships, and capacity-building at schools long underfunded by traditional philanthropy.

Xavier leaders said the timing and the unrestricted nature of the funds will give administrators maximum flexibility to expand affordability and academic support for students from diverse backgrounds. The university and its supporters called the gift a major vote of confidence in Xavier’s mission to prepare the next generation of health-care professionals and public-service leaders.