MacKenzie Scott Gives $63M to Prairie View A&M — Largest Single Gift in the HBCU's 149-Year History

MacKenzie Scott Donates $63 Million to Prairie View A&M University

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has gifted $63 million to Prairie View A&M University — the largest one-time donation in the historically Black university's 149-year history. Announced by university officials on Friday, the unrestricted gift brings Scott's total contributions to Prairie View to $113 million after a prior $50 million donation in 2020.

"This gift is more than generous — it is defining and affirming," said Prairie View President Tomikia P. LeGrande. "MacKenzie Scott's investment amplifies the power and promise of Prairie View A&M University as we advance our vision of becoming a premier public, research-intensive HBCU that serves as a national model for student success."

How the Funds Will Be Used

Prairie View will have discretion over the $63 million. University leaders say they plan to direct the funds toward:

• Scholarships and academic support for students
• Strengthening and growing the university's endowment
• Expanding research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agricultural sustainability, education, public health, space exploration and social policy

The university — located about 40 miles northwest of Houston in Waller County — currently reports an endowment of $151 million. Officials have not yet specified how much of Scott's latest gift will be added to the endowment.

Context and Impact

Scott, who divorced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, has pledged to give away the majority of her wealth — saying she will give until "the safe is empty." Forbes estimates her net worth at roughly $34.6 billion. She has focused substantial philanthropy on historically Black colleges and universities, which have traditionally received less public and private funding than many non-HBCU peers.

According to Higher Ed Dive, Scott's cumulative giving to HBCUs this year has reached at least $450 million. University leaders and higher-education observers say unrestricted gifts of this scale can accelerate academic ambitions, bolster financial aid, and allow institutions to invest flexibly in research and student success initiatives.

What this means for Prairie View: The gift strengthens the university's capacity to expand research programs, enhance student support, and increase long-term financial stability. Leaders say the unrestricted nature of the donation lets them target urgent needs and strategic opportunities.