Events
UNCF raises money through events across the country to support its mission, while at the same time raising awareness among its constituents.
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Galas / Ball Events
2026 UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala – Chicago
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
The Geraghty 2520 South Hoyne Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608 United StatesThe 26th Annual UNCF Chicago A Mind is... Gala: Continuing the Legacy: An Evening of Illuminating the Promise of HBCUs
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Join us at the 2026 UNCF Walk for Education Virginia on Saturday, September 12 at Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia to build better futures one step at a time.
The UNCF Walk for Education Virginia is a community fundraising event in which you can recruit family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to participate in this non-competitive Walk to raise the critical funds UNCF needs to fulfill our mission of support to our member HBCU’s and to help our students to become active participants of society through a high-quality education.
Bring your friends, family, coworkers, and community members for a morning of purpose, connection, and celebration. Whether you walk, donate, volunteer, or sponsor, your support makes a difference. Register today!
Join a team. Form a team. Participate solo.
#UNCFWalkforEducation #LaceUp4UNCF #UNCFVirginiaWalk
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10:00 AM
Charlotte Convention Center 501 S. College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202 United States
We invite you to join us on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 24th Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon (MAWWLL). This signature fundraising event for UNCF is named in honor of our beloved friend and volunteer, Dr. Maya Angelou.
The day begins at 10 a.m. with shopping, mimosas, live music, and red carpet photos, leading into an elegant 12 p.m. luncheon featuring an inspiring program, the prestigious Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award presentation, and the exciting Hatitude! competition. During the luncheon, we will celebrate and honor extraordinary women who have made a significant impact locally, statewide, and nationally.
Your support is more critical than ever to help UNCF, our member colleges and universities, and the students we serve achieve their dreams. Join us for a day of elegance, empowerment, and celebration, all in support of education and opportunity.
Sponsorship opportunities are available—reach out to learn more!
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The UNCF Baltimore Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focused on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.
Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the UNCF Baltimore Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF.
This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion and glamour and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve by helping them move to and through college.
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Join us in kicking off the HBCU Homecoming Season by supporting education and students in need across North Carolina! The Charlotte UNCF Walk for Education is dedicated to supporting our five member institutions across North Carolina and the students they serve. This event helps raise vital funds to ensure students and schools receive the resources they need to thrive.
UNCF and our HBCUs are working together to maintain a pipeline of graduates ready to become the future generation of professionals in our country. Come celebrate with your family, friends and coworkers. Let’s build better futures one step at a time. Registration is open. Please consider joining a team or creating a new walk team.
#LaceUp4UNCF and join us today for a day of fundraising and walking/running to help send deserving, talented students to and through college.
Register | Donate Today | Build Your Team | Spread the Word | Volunteer
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Join us at the 11th Annual UNCF 5K Run/Walk for Education Tampa Bay!
5K Walk/Run with us in our mission to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. The UNCF 5K Walk/Run for Education Tampa Bay is not just an event; it’s a powerful movement dedicated to promoting educational equity and supporting students from all backgrounds in achieving their highest potential.
About the 5K Walk/Run for Education:
The UNCF 5K Walk/Run for Education is a flagship event that has brought together students, educators, community leaders, and supporters of higher education from across the region for eleven (11) years. This annual event is crucial for raising awareness and funds to support the mission of UNCF). For over 82 years, UNCF has been committed to providing scholarships, internships, fellowships, and other vital resources to help students attend and graduate from college, particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Get Involved: Register to Walk/Run in this qualified timed race. Your participation helps us raise the funds necessary to support students’ educational journeys.
Donate:
Your generous contributions make a significant impact. Every dollar raised supports first-generation students, scholarships, internships, and other essential resources for students.
Fundraise:
Join us as a fundraiser and rally your network to support our cause. Set your fundraising goals and share your personal story to inspire others to donate.
Volunteer:
Volunteers are the backbone of our event. Lend your time and talents to help us create a memorable and successful Walk for Education.
Why Support UNCF?
Your support ensures deserving students have access to the resources they need to succeed in college and beyond.
By participating, donating, or volunteering, you contribute to:
- Providing scholarships that make college affordable
- Supporting HBCUs that offer unique educational environments
- Promoting college readiness and career development programs
- Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the chance to succeed academically
Inspirational Speakers: Hear from UNCF scholars and alumni who will share their journeys and the impact of UNCF on their lives.
Live Performances: Enjoy performances that showcase local talent.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in activities designed for all ages, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.
Stay Connected:
Stay updated on event details, fundraising tips, and more by following us on social media. Use the hashtag #UNCFWalkTampaBay2026 to share your experiences and connect with other participants. (Add buttons: Facebook: www.facebook.com/tampabayarea/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/uncfncfl)
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Join us at the 18th Annual UNCF Orlando 5K Run/Walk for Education!
Run or walk with us as we work to ensure every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. The UNCF Walk/Run for Education is not just an event; it’s a powerful movement dedicated to promoting educational equity and supporting students from all backgrounds in achieving their highest potential.
About the 5K Run/Walk for Education: The UNCF event is a flagship initiative that has brought together students, educators, community leaders, and supporters of higher education from across the region for 18 years. This annual gathering plays a vital role in raising awareness and funds to support UNCF’s mission. For over 82 years, UNCF has been committed to providing scholarships, internships, fellowships, and other critical resources to help students attend and graduate from college—especially those at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Get Involved: Register to run or walk in this timed race and help raise the funds needed to support students on their educational journeys.
Donate: Your generous contributions make a significant impact. Every dollar raised supports first-generation students, scholarships, internships, and other essential resources.
Fundraise: Rally your network to support our cause. Set a goal and share your story to inspire donations.
Volunteer: Volunteers are the backbone of our event. Lend your time and talents to help us create a memorable and successful Walk for Education.
Why Support UNCF? Your support ensures deserving students have access to the resources they need to succeed in college and beyond. By participating, donating, or volunteering, you contribute to:
- Providing scholarships that make college affordable
- Supporting HBCUs that offer unique educational environments
- Promoting college readiness and career development programs
- Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the chance to succeed academically
Inspirational Speakers: Hear from UNCF scholars and alumni who will share their journeys and the impact of UNCF on their lives.
Live Performances: Enjoy performances that showcase local talent.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in activities designed for all ages, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.
Stay Connected: Stay updated on event details, fundraising tips, and more by following us on social media. Use the hashtag #UNCF5KWalkOrlando2026 #UNCF5KRunOrlando to share your experiences and connect with other participants.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/uncfncfl
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uncfncfl)
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Good Shepherd Baptist Church 2223 S. Crater Road
Petersburg, Virginia 23805 -
A Celebration of Education and the Roaring 20s!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance, impact, and purpose at the 12th Annual UNCF Pee Dee Area Mayors’ Masked Ball—the region’s premier fundraising gala and one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Step into a world where timeless glamour meets transformational impact. Inspired by the bold sophistication of the Roaring Twenties, this years’ experience invites guests to embrace iconic style, adorned in elegant attire and signature masks, for a night that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
This extraordinary evening brings together influential civic leaders, corporate partners, community champions, UNCF alumni, and emerging philanthropists—all united by a shared commitment to one powerful mission: investing in education and unlocking opportunity for the next generation.
Now more than ever, our students need us. This is your moment to:
Lead with purpose
Align your brand with impact
Be part of a movement that changes lives
Celebrate with purpose
Give with intention
Sponsor with impact
We invite you—whether you are a long-time supporter or joining us for the first time—to take your place among those who are shaping the future. If you have never participated before, this is your invitation.
The students we serve today will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We proudly welcome corporations, small businesses, faith-based organizations, and individual philanthropists to participate as sponsors of this signature event.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $2,000 to $25,000, offering a meaningful way to engage at a level that aligns with your goals and capacity. Individual tickets are available for $150.
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