Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott credited author Toni Morrison with mentoring her early writing and said that relationship informed her giving strategy as she directed substantial unrestricted funds to historically Black colleges and universities. In 2025 Scott donated more than $700 million to HBCUs, bringing her multiyear total above $1 billion for Black higher‑education institutions, with grants designed for flexible use. Recipients and university leaders say unrestricted gifts let them address operating shortfalls, endow faculty positions and support student services — a different model from earmarked, program‑specific funding.