Little Priest Tribal College in Nebraska received a $5 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, an institution official called the donation transformative for campus programs and capacity. The gift arrives amid federal proposals that would shift oversight of some tribal education programs to other agencies, heightening uncertainty about long‑term public funding. Leaders at TCUs say large unrestricted gifts can accelerate hiring, student supports and infrastructure but cannot substitute for stable federal appropriations; the timing of private donations underscores both vulnerability and opportunity for tribal higher education as policy changes unfold.