The UNCF welcomed $174 million in additional funding for historically Black colleges and universities, praising President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon for prioritizing the institutions and their students.
McMahon announced the funding on September 22, 2026, at the White House Initiative on HBCUs Summit. The additional investment comes on top of the $406 million approved by Congress and signed by Trump for fiscal year 2026.
UNCF had advocated for more funding, saying the serious needs on HBCU campuses required more than the previous year’s one-time investment.
UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax said:
“I want to commend the president and the secretary of education for prioritizing HBCUs.”
Lomax highlighted the serious needs on HBCU campuses and expressed confidence in the investment:
“Our grateful community is appreciative, and we look forward to investing the funds well into our campuses, programs, and most importantly, our students.”
UNCF’s senior vice president for public policy and government affairs, Lodriguez Murray, also welcomed the funding:
“HBCUs have long deserved this kind of investment, and it is high time an administration took note to make it happen.”
The response from UNCF was clear: appreciation for an investment that will support HBCU campuses, strengthen programs, and help students.