The United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is a philanthropic organization that was incorporated in 1944 by Dr. Frederick D. Patterson (former President of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Today, UNCF plays a critical role in assisting over 60,000 students with the opportunity to attend college in order to receive an education. Universally recognized by its motto, ”A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” UNCF assists students in their efforts of going to college by awarding 10,000 student scholarships, as well as, offer a wider population financial and career support through UNCF Internship Programs.

In addition to its direct efforts to assist students, UNCF also supports student and institutional cost by providing operating funds for its 38 member colleges, all of which are small and historically black, private institutions that offer a small-college experience.  All 38 college offer tuition to their students that is on average 30 percent less than those at comparable colleges and universities.

Beyond these efforts, the United Negro College Fund has become an opinion leader when comes to higher education finance by serving as the voice for the importance of a quality education for all citizens of America through its efforts to advocate for students of color and their plight of promise, access and persistence.   

References:

Rapson, R. 2011. What’s next: Philanthropy in an age of government retrenchment. Retrieved from: http://www.kresge.org/about-us/presidents-corner/what’s-next-philanthropy-age-government-retrenchment

United Negro College Fund:  http://www.uncf.org/

United Negro College Fund Public Service Announcement: My Son. 1991. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PRSN694UAs