Events

Get ready for the premier fundraising gala and social event of the year! Join us for an unforgettable night of glamour, impact, and celebration at the UNCF Masked Ball Twin Cities — 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Party with a purpose on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the stunning Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. Mingle with top Twin Cities corporations, civic leaders, and changemakers as we unite to advance UNCF’s mission of empowering the next generation through education.

🎭 Ten Years. One Legacy. Endless Impact. Celebrate a decade of excellence, honor, and opportunity — all in one extraordinary evening

Put on your best mardi gras festive formal, wear your mask and be enchanted by a live New Orleans brass band, student testimonials, a live auction of memorable experiences, raffle for exciting prizes and a paddle raise of 7 levels in 7 minutes! End the night with dancing evening that will feature a live New Orleans style band

Join us on May 20, 2026, for a special theater benefit that honors the transformative journey of students from the moment they say “yes” to college to the milestone of graduation. Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring premium performance seating and an exclusive pre-performance reception.

About the UNCF New Jersey Masked Ball

On May 30, 2026, UNCF New Jersey will host its annual Masked Ball, celebrating the organization’s 82nd anniversary. This landmark event provides a special opportunity to honor leaders and organizations within our community whose personal and professional commitments are helping create better futures for young people—across New Jersey and throughout the nation.

Over the years, UNCF New Jersey has recognized outstanding contributors to this mission. Past individual honorees include: Dante Hall, retired NFL wide receiver; Alex Gorsky, former chairman of J&J; Rick Thigpen, EVP and Foundation President, PSE&G; Kevin Cummings, chairman, Investors Bancorp; George D. Martin, retired NY Giants player; Linda Bowden, president, PNC Bank; Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Barnabas Health; Dottie Brienza, Merck; Sheryl Gordon, AFSCME; and Miles Berger, chairman, Berger Organization. Past corporate honorees include Enterprise, J&J, Bayer Corporation, SUEZ, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and PSEG.

Since 1944, UNCF has supported more than 500,000 young men and women on their journey to earning a college degree. Our annual Masked Ball remains a signature fundraising event that directly benefits students attending UNCF-member colleges and universities, as well as nearly 1,100 other colleges across America. It is one of the most meaningful opportunities to invest in Better Futures.

Funds raised through the Masked Ball will help ensure that more young people with limited financial resources have a clear and supported pathway to attend—and graduate from—college.

Join us for the 26th Annual UNCF Chicago A Mind is… Gala: Continuing the Legacy: An Evening of Illuminating the Promise of HBCUs

The UNCF Gala brings together community leaders, donors, and partners for an inspiring evening dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for Chicagoland students. Your support directly funds scholarships, supports HBCUs, and helps create pathways to college and career success. Celebrate achievements, hear powerful student stories, and make an impact that lasts far beyond the event.

The Blue Carpet Experience: Through our partnership with CAN TV, our media sponsor will provide exclusive coverage of the “Blue Carpet,” interviewing guests and capturing the rich stories of their HBCU experiences.

A “You Don’t Know Chi” Moment: Chicago’s premier urban historian, Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, will join us for a special segment uncovering the deep-rooted connections between our city, Black excellence, and education.

The 38th Annual 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.

Come out and join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at *Belle Isle State Park (near the Casino) to help us reach our fundraising goal of $600,000 and help students 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 8, 2026. 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 8, 2026. The trophy categories are:

Top Fundraising Large Corporate Team

Top Fundraising Mid-Size Corporate Team

Top Fundraising Alumni/Greek Organization Team

Top Future Leaders Team (Ages 12-17)

Important Dates:

Team Captain Prize Consideration Deadline: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Trophy Consideration Deadline: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Online Pre-Registration Ends: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Walk Site Closes: Saturday, October 5, 2026

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!

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

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)