About
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is one of the nation's largest and most prolific education organizations and the largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to historically marginalized students. Founded in 1944 and headquartered in Washington, DC, UNCF has been guided for decades by its famous motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."
Mission
UNCF pursues its mission through a three-pronged approach: awarding scholarships to students, providing financial support to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and advocating for minority education, including K-12 education and strong federal investment in Pell Grants and other college aid for financially needy students.
What they do
- Awards more than 11,000 scholarships annually, worth more than $62 million, across roughly 400 scholarship programs
- Provides financial and capacity-building support to its 36 member HBCUs, including through the Institute for Capacity Building launched under the current CEO
- Advocates for minority education at the federal level, from K-12 policy to college affordability
- Operates 23 local offices that connect students and supporters with community resources
History
UNCF has been working to make college education available to minority students since its founding in 1944. In the eight decades since, the organization has raised more than $6 billion and helped more than 550,000 students earn college degrees. UNCF notes that it has helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.
Scale and impact
UNCF reports that the six-year graduation rate for African American students who receive its scholarships is 70 percent — 11 percentage points higher than the national average overall and 31 points higher than the national average for all African Americans. Under the leadership of its current president and CEO, the organization has raised over $4 billion and helped more than 200,000 students earn college degrees.
Financials
According to UNCF's IRS Form 990 filing for the fiscal year ending March 2025 (via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer), the organization reported total revenue of $158.9 million, total expenses of $183.5 million, total assets of $892.4 million and net assets of $835.8 million. Contributions made up about 84.8 percent of revenue, with investment income contributing about 12.1 percent.
Governance
United Negro College Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 13-1624241) led by president and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax, supported by a leadership team and a Board of Directors.