MacKenzie Scott’s expansive higher-education philanthropy continues to reach new corners of the country, with two rural community colleges confirming historic, multi-million-dollar gifts.
Bladen Community College and Robeson Community College, both located in southeastern North Carolina, announced record-setting donations from Scott that will significantly expand their capacity to serve students and surrounding communities.
Bladen Community College revealed it received a $12 million unrestricted gift—the largest philanthropic contribution in the institution’s history—to local news station WECT. College officials said the funding will support students, strengthen academic and workforce programs, and establish a long-term foundation for institutional growth in a largely rural region.
“We are overwhelmed by this remarkable support,” said Bladen Community College President Dr. Amanda Lee. “This gift reflects a shared belief in the power of education to change lives and communities.” She added that the funding will allow the college to rethink its future while ensuring its mission remains sustainable for decades to come.
Just miles away, Robeson Community College confirmed an even larger donation: $24 million from Scott, also the biggest single gift in that school’s history, per ABC11.
Located in Lumberton, Robeson Community College serves more than 9,500 students, including first-generation college students, adult learners, and military families.
According to the college, the funding will expand access to education and workforce training while supporting long-term economic development in the region.
“This generous gift is far more than a financial contribution; it is a profound affirmation of our students, faculty, and the limitless potential of Robeson County,” said RCC President Melissa Singler. The college plans to invest the funding strategically, with a focus on sustainability and innovation in education and job training.
Among the programs expected to benefit is Robeson’s Utility Fundamentals Program, which prepares students for careers in critical infrastructure roles.
Faline Dial, chair of the RCC Board of Trustees, said the donation represents an opportunity to build durable educational infrastructure. “We are committed to thoughtful, transparent stewardship of these resources to unlock opportunities for all of Robeson County,” Dial said.
The gifts to Bladen and Robeson are part of a broader pattern in Scott’s 2025 giving.
This year alone, she has reported donating $7.1 billion to nonprofits, with a significant share directed toward education.
Her contributions to higher education have totaled more than $1.2 billion since 2020, including major gifts this year to institutions such as Howard University, Prairie View A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, and Lincoln University.
She also awarded $70 million to the United Negro College Fund to strengthen a shared endowment benefiting dozens of HBCUs.
Scott’s education philanthropy has extended beyond HBCUs to tribal and community colleges. In recent months, tribal institutions including Bay Mills Community College, Nebraska Indian Community College, and Little Priest Tribal College have each confirmed multi-million-dollar donations.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s oldest public community college, also received a $17 million gift earlier this year.
Across all recipients, Scott’s approach has remained consistent: large, unrestricted donations delivered without applications or reporting requirements. Institutions typically learn of the awards shortly before funds are transferred, allowing leaders flexibility to align resources with local priorities.