Atlanta, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has committed a substantial $50 million to enhance graduation rates at historically Black colleges and universities in Atlanta. This funding, aimed at providing gap scholarships, will assist nearly 10,000 students at four institutions: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College, over a ten-year period starting in 2026. The initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to overcoming financial barriers that hinder students from completing their degrees and aims to be a national model for bridging opportunity gaps in education.
Atlanta
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has announced a significant $50 million donation aimed at enhancing graduation rates at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta. This investment is designed primarily to provide gap scholarships that will assist students in completing their degrees.
This funding initiative will support nearly 10,000 students enrolled at four prominent institutions: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College. The funds will be distributed over a period of 10 years, beginning in 2026, ensuring a long-term commitment to educational success.
The scholarships are specifically targeted toward students who are approaching graduation, are in good academic standing, and have exhausted all other financial resources. This approach reflects a recognition that financial barriers, rather than academic challenges, often hinder students from earning their diplomas.
Atlanta’s HBCUs have a significant economic impact, contributing more than $1 billion annually to the city. They also excel at promoting upward mobility for students from lower-income backgrounds, allowing those from the lowest 40% of household income to elevate themselves into the top 60%.
The announcement of the donation comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s plans to redirect about $500 million in federal funding for HBCUs, highlighting a crucial time for these institutions. The foundation’s commitment represents its largest donation to Georgia-based HBCUs to date, following previous contributions that included $10 million to Spelman College for an innovation lab and $6 million for improvements to athletic facilities at several institutions.
Leaders from the HBCUs have praised this donation as transformative, essential for enabling students to concentrate on their studies without the stress of financial burdens. Morehouse College President remarked that this funding will empower students’ talents and hard work to shape their futures, rather than financial strain.
The foundation emphasized that its goal is to invest in a cycle of opportunity that will benefit young people and their families for years to come. Not only will the funding cover tuition, but it will also support academic advising and emergency grants, ensuring that students remain enrolled and can successfully complete their education.
This initiative is poised to serve as a national model for how targeted philanthropy can effectively bridge wealth and opportunity gaps within education.
FAQ
What is the total amount of the donation?
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced a $50 million donation to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta.
Which schools are benefiting from the donation?
This funding is set to support nearly 10,000 students at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College.
How will the scholarships be distributed?
The donation will be distributed over a period of 10 years, starting in 2026.
Who will be eligible for the scholarships?
The scholarships are intended for students approaching graduation in good academic standing who have exhausted all other financial support.
What is the economic impact of Atlanta’s HBCUs?
Atlanta’s HBCUs contribute $1 billion to the city’s annual economic impact and excel in promoting upward mobility for students from the lowest 40% of household income to the top 60%.
Key Features of the Donation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $50 million |
| Supported Institutions | Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College |
| Total Students Supported | 10,000 students |
| Duration of Distribution | 10 years |
| Economic Impact | $1 billion annual contribution to Atlanta |
| Scholarship Eligibility | Students in good academic standing near graduation with exhausted financial support |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- AP News: Arthur Blank’s $50 million donation to HBCUs
- Wikipedia: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- HBCU Buzz: Arthur Blank Donates $50 million to Atlanta HBCUs
- Google Search: Arthur Blank HBCU donation
- Inside Higher Ed: Atlanta’s HBCUs Receive $50M Gift for Financial Aid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- HBCU Game Day: Arthur Blank Donates $50 Million to HBCUs
- Google News: HBCU donations
- BET: Arthur Blank Donates $50 Million to HBCUs
- Google Scholar: HBCU donations
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