Events

The annual UNCF Chicago “A Mind Is…”® Gala is one of the city’s signature fundraising and premier social events of the year. Supported by a committed philanthropic community of corporate sponsors, other organizations, and individuals, the Gala brings together Chicago’s civic leaders, dignitaries, volunteers, public officials, alumni, students and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures through our students. Their dedication ensures students get “to and through” college. Join UNCF Chicago at the 2025 “A Mind Is…”® Gala.

UNCF Young Professionals DMV Gala Noir – Gala Noir – an event focused on raising funds for students and our member-schools – features The Torch Awards, to recognize and honor three young professionals making a positive impact in urban communities in the areas of entrepreneurship, education, art and advocacy work. This premier UNCF young professionals’ event is expected to draw approximately 250 supporters and leading young professionals (individuals, organizations and companies) from the Washington, DC Metro Area and beyond. With a vibrant MC, DJ and dance floor, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres, the event will be a fun and inspiring party with a purpose.

This signature event is created to celebrate individuals and organizations who are exceptional trailblazers committed to the future of the Lowcountry, education and youth.   UNCF, the largest provider of scholarships to underserved populations, 2nd only to the federal government, awarded over $2 million in scholarships in the state of South Carolina during the 2022-23 academic year. These dollars impact the lives of students attending UNCF’s five member schools (Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College and Voorhees College), Clemson University, University of South Carolina and technical schools in the state of South Carolina.

The UNCF Detroit Walk for Education is a broad-based community fundraising event in which you can recruit family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. to participate in this non-competitive Walk to raise much needed unrestricted funds for UNCF as well as provide necessary support for our students and schools and raise awareness about our 37 member institutions and HBCUs.

The only competition is for the top fundraising Team Captain Prizes, which goes to the team captains based upon the amount of funds raised first in each category.

Join us on at Belle Isle State Park (near the Casino) to help us reach our fundraising goal of $600,000 and help kids get to and successfully through college.

We will work our bodies with a 5K (3.1 mile) walk around beautiful Belle Isle and refresh our spirit with family, friends, fellowship and good food on a beautiful summer day.

Activities:

• Children’s Games
• DJ
• Face Painting & Balloon Animals
• Mini Massages & Health Screenings
• Team Photos
• Team Trophy Presentations
• Vehicle Displays
• Much more…

Team Captain (only) Incentive Prizes

To qualify for prizes, all funds must be in by Saturday, August 9, 2025. All prizes are first-come, first-served.

• Apple Gift Card: Raise $25,000 & above – (First Winner)
• Bose Speaker: $10,000 – (First 2 Winners)
• Echo Show 3rd Generation: $5,000 – (First 3 Winners)
• UNCF Jacket: $2,500 – (First 5 Winners)
• UNCF Chair w/Umbrella:$1,000 – (First 10 Winners)
• UNCF Backpack:$500 – (First 15 Winners)
• UNCF Walk T-Shirt & Embroidered Baseball Cap:$250

Prizes are subject to change.

Traveling Trophies Trophy consideration deadline is Saturday, August 9, 2025.

The trophy categories are:

• Top Fundraising Large Corporate Team
• Top Fundraising Mid-Size Corporate Team
• Top Fundraising Alumni/Greek Organization

Team Important Dates:

• Team Captain Prize Consideration Deadline: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Trophy Consideration Deadline: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Online Pre-Registration Ends: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Walk Site Closes: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Join us for the UNCF Pacific Northwest 2025 “A Mind Is…” Each One Teach One Gala, themed Soaring in the Clouds, a visionary celebration inspired by the tech industry’s transformative power. This year’s event will spotlight UNCF’s commitment to advancing education and innovations, paving the way for the next generation of leadership to soar in STEM, technology and other career fields. Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiration, with opportunities to support scholarships and programs that empower students to reach new heights in their academic and career pursuits. Prepare for an evening of fun, excitement, inspiration as we hear stories of student success, special guests and UNCF’s unwavering mission to elevate young minds and shape our future. We invite our gala guests to join in the celebration of our “Soaring in the Clouds” tech theme by optionally wearing white and shades of blue (black-tie and cocktail) attire to reflect the spirit of the evening.

We invite our gala guests to join in the celebration of our “Soaring in the Clouds” tech theme by optionally wearing white and blue attire (black-tie and cocktail) to reflect the spirit of the evening. 

We invite you to join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 23rd Annual 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!

Event postponed 

The 5th Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing 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 (HBCUs), including Jacksonville’s very own Edward Waters University—Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher education.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF and EWU. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.