FAQ: MacKenzie Scott's $38 Million Donation to University of Maryland Eastern Shore

What is the main topic of this announcement?

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $38 million to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, representing the largest single gift in the historically Black university’s 135-year history and one of the most significant contributions ever made to a Maryland higher-education institution.

Why is this donation particularly significant?

This $38 million gift is the largest single donation in UMES’s 135-year history and one of the most substantial contributions ever made to a Maryland higher-education institution. It follows a previous $20 million donation from Scott in 2020, bringing her total giving to UMES to $58 million.

How will the University of Maryland Eastern Shore use these funds?

The unrestricted funds will be used to expand student scholarships, modernize classrooms, enhance mental health services, support job and internship programs, and bolster research in coastal innovation and agricultural development—key industries on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Who is MacKenzie Scott and what is her background in philanthropy?

MacKenzie Scott is an author and philanthropist who gained global attention after her 2019 divorce from Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos. She has pledged to give away the majority of her wealth and has distributed billions to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and advocacy groups, often focusing on reducing inequities in education, health care, and economic opportunity.

When was this donation announced and how does it fit into Scott’s broader giving pattern?

The donation was announced on Friday by UMES. This gift follows Scott’s recent $63 million donation to Morgan State University, bringing her total giving to Maryland’s HBCUs to over $200 million, and last month she donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund.

What makes Scott’s approach to philanthropy distinctive?

Scott’s philanthropic approach is characterized by making unrestricted donations, allowing recipients to determine how best to use the funds. She focuses on reducing inequities and has pledged to continue giving ‘until the safe is empty.’

How will this donation impact the broader Eastern Shore region?

According to University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, the donation will deepen UMES’s role in economic development and community partnerships across the region, significantly expanding the university’s impact on the Eastern Shore.

What did university officials say about the significance of this gift?

UMES President Heidi M. Anderson called the gift ’nothing short of transformational’ and said it ‘will change the trajectory of our university,’ allowing them to ‘reimagine what is possible for our students and the region we serve.’

How does this donation reflect the growing recognition of HBCUs?

The gift underscores the growing recognition of the role HBCUs play in expanding access to higher education and promoting regional economic growth, with Anderson noting that ‘This is not just a gift to UMES—it’s an investment in our future.’