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United Negro College Fund Inc

Annual Giving
$153.1M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

United Negro College Fund Inc (UNCF)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $153.1 million (scholarships and grants, FY2022)
  • Total Assets: $679.9 million (2022)
  • Decision Time: 12-15 weeks
  • Grant Range: Varies by program; institutional support $23.2 million distributed to 37 member HBCUs
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)
  • Established: 1944

Contact Details

Headquarters: 1805 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001

Phone:

  • Main: (202) 810-0200
  • Toll-free: (800) 331-2244

Website: uncf.org

Email: Available through contact form at uncf.org/form/contact-us

Planned Giving/Major Gifts:

  • Website: plannedgiving.uncf.org
  • Phone: (202) 810-0168

Overview

Founded in 1944, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization and the largest private scholarship provider for students of color in the United States. With total assets of $679.9 million and annual scholarship distribution of $153.1 million (2022), UNCF operates under the iconic tagline "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste®." The organization has raised more than $5 billion since Dr. Michael Lomax became CEO in 2004, helping over 500,000 students earn college degrees. UNCF provides scholarships to approximately 60,000 students annually across more than 1,100 schools and provides direct institutional support to its 37 member Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 2024, UNCF received a $100 million unrestricted grant from the Lilly Endowment and a $70 million donation from MacKenzie Scott in 2025, demonstrating strong philanthropic confidence in the organization's mission. UNCF allocates 85% of every dollar raised directly to student support and scholarships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Student Scholarships:

  • UNCF General Scholarship - Amount varies; need-based scholarships for students attending UNCF member institutions
  • Gates Millennium Scholars Program - $37 million distributed in 2022
  • UNCF Corporate Scholars Program - Provides scholarships and corporate pipeline opportunities
  • UNCF/Koch Scholars Program - Merit and need-based awards
  • Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program - STEM-focused scholarships
  • K-12 Education Fellowship - Educational leadership development
  • Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Scholarship Program - Historical commemoration scholarship
  • Over 400 different scholarship programs available annually

Institutional Support:

  • Member Institution Distributions - $23.2 million distributed to 37 HBCU member institutions (2022)
  • UNCF Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) - Technical assistance and capacity-building support for HBCUs
  • Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) - Grant-funded program to strengthen links between academics and workforce (funded by Lilly Endowment)
  • Student Transformation Fellowship - Student leadership development (supported by Macquarie Group Foundation)
  • HBCU Wealth Building Initiative - Economic empowerment program launched 2025
  • Project ACCLAIM - Investment education and asset management training

Application Methods: Each scholarship program has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria; not rolling. Most scholarships require online applications through the UNCF scholarship portal. Institutional capacity-building grants are coordinated through the Institute for Capacity Building.

Priority Areas

Student Support:

  • Need-based scholarships for African American and minority students
  • Merit-based scholarships recognizing academic achievement
  • STEM education and career pathways
  • Internship and fellowship opportunities with corporate partners
  • Emergency Student Aid for students facing unexpected hardships

Institutional Capacity Building:

  • Executive leadership development for HBCU administrators
  • Financial sustainability and fundraising capacity
  • Data literacy and systems improvement
  • Student enrollment, retention, and graduation rate improvement
  • Digital solutions and AI innovation
  • Career services and job placement enhancement
  • Climate action and community empowerment initiatives
  • K-12 to higher education pathways

Geographic Focus:

  • Students attending more than 1,100 schools nationwide
  • Primary focus on 37 UNCF member HBCU institutions
  • Support for students attending any accredited college or university (varies by program)

What They Don't Fund

UNCF does not provide grants for:

  • Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Students who do not meet minimum GPA requirements (typically 2.5 minimum)
  • Students not enrolled in accredited institutions
  • Non-educational expenses unrelated to degree completion

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Dr. Michael L. Lomax has served as President and CEO since 2004. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Morehouse College (1968), a Master's in English Literature from Columbia University (1972), and a Ph.D. in American and African American Literature from Emory University (1984). Before joining UNCF, Dr. Lomax served as president of Dillard University (1997-2004) and as chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, becoming the first African American to lead a major county government in Georgia.

Under Dr. Lomax's leadership, UNCF has raised over $5 billion, helping more than 200,000 students earn college degrees. He launched UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building to support member HBCUs in becoming stronger, more effective, and self-sustaining institutions.

Board of Directors: UNCF is governed by a Board of Directors/Trustees that provides oversight and strategic direction. Specific board composition details are available in UNCF's annual reports.

Member Institutions: UNCF supports 37 member HBCUs, including historic institutions such as:

  • Allen University (Columbia, SC)
  • Benedict College (Columbia, SC)
  • Bennett College (Greensboro, NC)
  • Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, FL)
  • Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC)
  • Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)
  • Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)
  • Edward Waters University (Jacksonville, FL)
  • Fisk University (Nashville, TN)
  • Florida Memorial University (Miami Gardens, FL)
  • Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, TX)
  • Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA)
  • And 25 additional member institutions

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply - Student Scholarships

Application Portal: Students apply through UNCF's online scholarship portal at scholarships.uncf.org or opportunities.uncf.org.

Application Process:

  1. Create an account on the UNCF scholarship portal
  2. Complete the general application profile
  3. Search for scholarships matching your eligibility
  4. Submit required documents for each scholarship
  5. Submit applications before individual program deadlines

Required Materials:

  • High school and/or college transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation (typically from teachers, counselors, coaches, or administrators—non-relatives)
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion
  • Resume or summary of accomplishments, leadership, work experience, honors, awards, and community service
  • Essays (program-specific)
  • Financial need documentation

Eligibility Requirements (General):

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (some programs require higher)
  • Demonstrated financial need (verified by financial aid office)
  • Enrollment requirements vary by program (some require attendance at UNCF member institutions; others allow any accredited college/university)

How to Apply - Institutional Grants

Institutional capacity-building grants and support programs are coordinated through the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building (ICB). HBCUs interested in capacity-building support should visit uncficb.org or contact ICB directly. These grants are typically invitation-based or part of structured initiatives rather than open application processes.

Decision Timeline

Student Scholarships: Applicants who meet scholarship deadlines are typically notified of decisions within 12-15 weeks after the application due date. Notification timelines may vary by specific program.

Notification Methods:

  • Email notification through the scholarship portal
  • Updates available in applicant's online account

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly disclosed. However, UNCF awards more than 12,000 scholarships annually through over 400 programs, distributing approximately $65-100 million in scholarship funds each year to students from a large applicant pool.

Reapplication Policy

Students may reapply for UNCF scholarships in subsequent years if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Each application cycle requires a new, complete application with updated information. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply and may improve their applications based on additional accomplishments, improved grades, or stronger essays.

Application Success Factors

Based on UNCF's published guidance and scholarship selection criteria, successful applications demonstrate the following:

Demonstrated Financial Need: UNCF explicitly states that "recipients are selected based on demonstrated financial need." Completing the FAFSA is essential, as many scholarships require federal financial aid application.

Complete and Error-Free Applications: UNCF emphasizes that "students will not be considered for a scholarship, internship or program until they submit all the information and essays the application requires." Applicants should:

  • Proofread all materials carefully
  • Enlist help from parents, teachers, coaches, and trusted adults to review applications
  • Make and keep copies of everything submitted

Strong Academic Performance: While the minimum GPA is typically 2.5, competitive applicants often exceed this threshold. Maintaining strong grades throughout high school and college strengthens applications.

Leadership and Community Service: Applications include sections for documenting:

  • Leadership experience
  • Work experience
  • Honors and awards
  • Community service activities

Successful applicants demonstrate meaningful engagement beyond academics.

Thoughtful, Well-Written Essays: UNCF advises applicants to "give yourself enough time to draft and revise your work" for essay questions. Essays should clearly communicate the applicant's goals, challenges overcome, and why they deserve scholarship support.

Professional Social Media Presence: UNCF notes that "many colleges and universities conduct online searches of the students they are considering, so make sure your Facebook, Twitter and other public social media profiles show your best self."

Apply to Multiple Scholarships: UNCF recommends that students "apply for as many scholarships for which you are eligible." With over 400 programs, students should identify all scholarships matching their profile and apply to multiple opportunities.

Early Application: UNCF advises applicants to "pay careful attention to each scholarship's requirements and deadlines and apply as early as possible."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • UNCF operates two distinct funding streams: individual student scholarships (over 400 programs) and institutional capacity-building support for HBCUs through the Institute for Capacity Building. Understand which funding stream is relevant to your needs.

  • Financial need is paramount for student scholarships: UNCF explicitly prioritizes demonstrated financial need. FAFSA completion is required for most programs, and financial need documentation is a core selection criterion.

  • Complete applications are mandatory: UNCF will not consider incomplete applications. Every required document, essay, and form must be submitted. Plan sufficient time for gathering transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials.

  • Decision timelines are 12-15 weeks: After deadline submission, expect a 3-3.5 month wait for scholarship decisions. Plan application timing accordingly, particularly for students with urgent financial needs.

  • Each scholarship program has unique requirements: With 400+ scholarship programs, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and requirements vary significantly. Research individual programs carefully and tailor applications to each opportunity.

  • Strong institutional partnerships exist: UNCF has established corporate partnerships (Fidelity, Koch, Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, Macquarie Group Foundation) that fund specific scholarship and capacity-building programs. HBCUs seeking institutional support should explore ICB partnership opportunities.

  • UNCF is highly rated and transparent: With an 87% Charity Navigator rating and 85% of funds going directly to programs, UNCF demonstrates strong financial stewardship. This transparency enhances credibility when recommending UNCF scholarships to students.

References

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