MacKenzie Scott donates historic $50 Million to Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University has received a second transformational gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott of $50 million. Her latest donation surpasses her previous $30 million contribution in 2020, once again marking the largest single gift in the university’s 133-year history. With this new investment, Scott’s total commitment to WSSU rises to an unprecedented $80 million.
Scott’s first gift fundamentally shifted what was possible for the institution, expanding student access, fueling scholarship opportunities and strengthening WSSU’s long-term financial sustainability. This newest contribution builds on that momentum, reinforcing Scott’s continued confidence in WSSU’s mission, vision, and impact on students and communities.
With Scott’s first gift, most of the funding was invested into WSSU’s endowment, with much of the remaining funds used to expand WSSU’s real estate footprint, an essential step for a land-locked campus experiencing record demand. That investment helped the university strategically acquire property that will support future academic and student-centered growth.
The university’s leadership will actively begin developing a comprehensive plan that prioritizes student success and ensures resources are allocated where they can make a lasting impact.
“This gift is truly life-changing for our students and our community,” said Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “MacKenzie Scott’s confidence in Winston-Salem State University enables us to transform lives, not just today, but for generations. Her investment empowers us to make a high-quality education accessible, affordable, and within reach for students who never believed college was possible, and for that, I want to say thank you. We are all profoundly grateful for her choosing to invest in the future of our students and this institution.”
As North Carolina’s only Carnegie Opportunity College, a distinction earned by institutions that measurably lift students from one socioeconomic level to another through education and career preparation, WSSU will now have the financial support to further its student success efforts and provide expanded wrap-around services for students.
Is this $50 million gift unrestricted or designated for specific purposes?
The funds are unrestricted.
Who will oversee the allocation of the gift?
The Chancellor, along with the university board of trustees, will oversee the gift.
How were the funds from the initial $30 million gift used?
Scott’s initial $30 million gift was strategically invested to support both long-term financial strength and future growth opportunities. The majority of the funds were directed to the university’s endowment, expanding WSSU’s permanent financial foundation and ensuring ongoing support for students and academic initiatives. Most of the remaining funds were used to acquire key real-estate properties to position the university for future expansion. Final development plans for these sites are currently under evaluation.
How much scholarship money has been issued from the initial gift?
Because a portion of the initial gift was invested into the endowment for the purpose of scholarship, WSSU needed to allow time for the funds to mature before any spending could occur. Endowment funds generate interest income, and only that interest can be used for scholarships and student support. The investment has now matured to a level that enables the university to begin awarding scholarships. The first scholarships made possible by this gift will be distributed in 2026, supported by a newly updated scholarship strategy.
Why did the university not build new residence halls or update facilities with the initial funding?
While the initial gift was transformative, it was not sufficient to fund new campus infrastructure. Large-scale building projects require not only construction dollars, but also ongoing maintenance and operational support, funding that was not available at the time. We are currently in the process of developing a refreshed campus master plan that will provide a strategic focus for future infrastructure development. This gift positions the university to be financially prepared to advance future capital and building projects on a more accelerated timeline.
Are there plans for the property that was purchased?
Final development plans for these sites are currently under evaluation. A campus committee has been appointed to develop a refreshed Campus Master Plan. The master plan will provide strategic direction for future capital and building projects.
Gap funds are designed to help students close small, unexpected balances on their accounts, typically $200 or less. Because these funds have fewer eligibility requirements, they allow us to provide quick assistance to students who are close to being able to register, graduate or remain enrolled but need just a little support.
While the new Scott gift is significant, it is a one-time investment and requires time to mature before it can generate spendable earnings. Gap funds, however, are used for immediate needs and can be depleted quickly due to high demand. To ensure that this critical resource remains available to students on a continuous basis, the university must actively and consistently secure additional donations to replenish the fund.
When will there be a plan for the money that was just received?
University leadership is actively developing a comprehensive plan that prioritizes student success and ensures resources are allocated where they can make the greatest impact. This plan will align with the refreshed institutional strategic plan and the campus master plan, both of which are currently underway. These plans will be shared with the campus community in the coming months.
