UNCF March Madness 2026 is Here

Fifteen UNCF fundraising events in 10 days to support HBCUs and their students 

March is UNCF’s peak fundraising season. It’s UNCF’s version of “March Madness.” 

Festive luncheons, galas and mayor’s masked balls serve as premier UNCF fundraising and social events, raising awareness about the importance of supporting deserving students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and generating large corporate and individual donations to help these students meet the expenses of higher education. 

College costs are 35 times higher than in the 1960s, forcing many students to face steep tuition balances. The average student loan debt per student is $52,000, placing immense financial pressure on them. 

Roughly 70% of HBCU students qualify for federal Pell Grants, indicating a high need for financial aid, which if not met, forces them to either take on high-interest loans or leave school. 

Increased support is crucial to prevent unsustainable debt and ensure graduation, especially as institutions face growing enrollment after the supreme court’s affirmative action ban.  

HBCUs have long faced disparities in state funding, with endowments that are a fraction of their non-HBCU counterparts, making them reliant on student tuition and philanthropic support to maintain facilities and services. 

In the last 3 years, HBCUs have seen a surge in applications, creating a demand for more infrastructure and financial support for a larger, often lower-income, student body. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused severe financial strains, with HBCUs losing millions in tuition revenue, prompting the need for massive relief funds (like the $2.6 billion provided in 2021) to wipe out student loan debt.  

Throughout the remainder of March, UNCF is taking its fundraising efforts to new heights with a series of events that will captivate and inspire supporters from all walks of life. The organization believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a better future for everyone. With this belief in mind, UNCF aims to raise funds that will directly impact the lives of talented, deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education while reducing college costs and achieve their full potential. 

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and local businesses, the March fundraising events involve celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission.  

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Here’s a rundown of our fifteen events coming to a city or region near you this month.  

March 5 

District of Columbia: 2026 National AMI Gala

One of the most highly anticipated philanthropic events of the year, this gala will bring together influential leaders from government, business and entertainment to raise critical funds supporting UNCF’s mission, its 37 member institutions, and the students they serve.

March 6

Newport News, VA: 2026 UNCF Tee Off For Tomorrow Golf Tournament

Join us for the 2026 UNCF Tee Off For Tomorrow Golf Tournament on March 6, 2026 at Kiln Creek in Newport News, Virginia. Proceeds will go to support UNCF HBCU students, institutions, programs, and initiatives.

March 7 

Birmingham: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

Experience the magic of the Birmingham UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball—the city’s premier night of glamour, purpose and celebration. Join national leaders, alumni and supporters for an unforgettable evening that powers UNCF’s mission, fuels HBCU impact and strengthens our communities and economy.

March 7 

Newport News, VA: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

Corporations and community groups are invited to support the fundraising event with the purchase of sponsorships ranging from $50,000 -$1,500. Sponsor package benefits include reserved tables for your guests, recognition at the event and in related advertising and promotional materials. Individual contributions are greatly appreciated. Individual tickets are available for $250.

March 7 

New Orleans: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

The 13th Annual UNCF New Orleans 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.

March 12

Boston: UNCF “A Mind Is…”^®  Gala

Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with influential individuals, community leaders and key stakeholders who share our dedication to empowering future generations.

March 14

Seattle: UNCF “A Mind Is…”^®  Gala

This remarkable event will take place at the stunning Hyatt Regency in the heart of downtown Seattle, where attendees will enjoy a night filled with inspiring stories, live entertainment, and the chance to make a difference. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in both a live auction and a silent auction, featuring exclusive items and experiences, all while supporting UNCF’s mission to provide scholarships and educational resources for students of color.

March 19

New York: UNCF “A Mind Is…”^®  Gala

The 2026 “A Mind Is…” New York Gala will recognize outstanding partners who are helping to advance educational opportunities for young people. Funds raised will support UNCF’s mission by supporting our historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and helping ensure that more students have access to a life-changing college education.

March 21

Charlotte: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

Join us for the most highly anticipated fundraising event of the year — the UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball, presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.! The premier fundraising gala and major social event, focuses on raising public awareness and large donations to support deserving students across North Carolina.

March 21

Columbus, GA: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

The Columbus 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.

March 21

Philadelphia: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

This enchanting event will feature a live auction filled with exclusive items and experiences, a silent auction brimming with unique treasures, and an exciting raffle that promises thrilling prizes. Attendees will don their finest masks for a night of glamour and philanthropy, all while supporting UNCF’s mission to provide educational opportunities for students in need.

March 26

Columbus, OH: UNCF Mayor’s Luncheon

The 14th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon will serve as a platform to support UNCF’s mission of eliminating financial barriers to higher education for deserving students. Join us for this unique opportunity to connect with corporate, community, civic leaders, and clergy to celebrate and invest in the promise of tomorrow’s leaders.

March 27

Jacksonville: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

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.

March 28

San Francisco: UNCF “A Mind Is…”^®  Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2026 UNCF A Mind Is Gala. This prestigious event, supported by leading technology firms, corporate sponsors, local leadership and distinguished individuals, promises an evening of elegance and inspiration.

March 28

Tampa: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

The 3rd Annual UNCF Tampa Bay Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of college education, the students UNCF serves, and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities.

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About UNCF

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.