Graduates lined up in caps and gowns for college graduation ceremony

Who We Are

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 7,000 students scholarships, worth more than $83 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipient is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

More about our impact

UNCF Offices


UNCF's 23 local offices help students, alumni and supporters connect with resources, events and initiatives in their communities.

Find an office in your area

UNCF Leadership


We are proud of our strong leadership team. Their knowledge, skills and commitment are critical to achieving our goals and fulfilling our mission.

Meet the Leadership Team

Board of Directors


The men and women who guide the actions of the organization are a diverse group of people, and with their help, the organization ensures as many students as possible make it to and through college successfully.

Meet the Board