New Philanthropy and HBCUs Report Reveals Legacy of Chronic Underfunding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
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Posted By: S. Moore on May 02, 2023 Candid and ABFE released today Philanthropy and HBCUs: Foundation funding to historically Black colleges and universities. The new report is the most comprehensive analysis of private philanthropic support to HBCUs. Philanthropy and HBCUs includes analysis of 18 years of funding data to 103 HBCUs as well as interviews with HBCU staff and funders and a focus group with HBCU students. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) Historically Black colleges and universities have played a central—yet underappreciated—role in the United States. HBCUs account for approximately 3% of all colleges and universities in the U.S., and they give 13% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded to Black college graduates in the nation. The earliest HBCUs were founded before the legal enslavement of Black people ended. Since then, they have been critical in educating Black people, developing Black leaders, and addressing inequality. HBCUs provide supportive spaces for college and community engagement, and are centers of social activism, cultural hubs, and builders of Black entrepreneurship. HBCUs not only offer educational opportunities for Black people, but they also strengthen Black communities. Yet despite their significance and contributions, HBCUs continue to be systematically underfunded. Uneven philanthropic support for HBCUs Cathleen Clerkin, senior director of insights at Candid, said, “To better understand how to confront racial inequity, the social sector needs a stronger foundation of research to help build our future. Our hope with this report is to spark sector-wide visibility and discourse on the need for equitable investment in HBCUs so they can thrive even more.” Key findings in Philanthropy and HBCUs include: -Large U.S. foundations steadily decreased their support of HBCUs between 2002 to 2019. They awarded $65 million to HBCUs in 2002. By 2019, giving decreased 30% to $45 million (not adjusting for inflation). -From 2015 to 2019:
-A preliminary examination of 2020 grants data indicates a sizable increase in HBCU funding in 2020, currently totaling $249 million. (Data collection, however, is still ongoing.) Philanthropy can have a greater impact on HBCUs Susan Taylor Batten, president and CEO of ABFE, said: “As a proud alum of two HBCUs, I know firsthand how critically important these institutions are to this nation. Despite being drastically underfunded with lower endowments, HBCUs continue to serve as vital educational and cultural epicenters in Black communities. Philanthropy can serve in partnership to create more sustainability in HBCUs for generations to come. This report serves as a clarion call to our sector to right the systemic challenges facing HBCUs and adequately invest in the future of these institutions.” There are many ways foundations can demonstrate greater commitment to building equity for HBCUs. These include:
Read the full report at doi.org/10/gr2bkm. SOURCE PRWeb If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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