UNCF Urges Donors to Give during #GivingTuesday Campaign

Seeking vital funds to empower HBCUs and students during this critical time

Washington, D.C., Nov. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is joining this year’s Dec. 1 #GivingTuesday campaign to encourage giving to support HBCUs and financially strapped college students, particularly in light of the many challenges due to the coronavirus health pandemic. UNCF works tirelessly to empower historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by changing the HBCU narrative across the nation and helping equip minority students with the resources necessary to transition into and graduate from college—and ultimately succeed in the workforce.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UNCF students is being felt very keenly,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “Our students are crying out for help, and we’re doing all we can to ensure they have the resources to get through the hurdles they’re facing and still earn their degrees.”

A recent survey of UNCF HBCU students showed they are asking for more help than ever:

• More than half—54%—of the students indicated that their financial stability had declined due to COVID
• 37% of students reported that their mental well-being had declined at least somewhat during the pandemic
• More than 80% of the students wanted some form of in-person instruction for Fall 2020 
• Students wanted as much information as possible from their institutions about how/when/if they would be reopening for the Fall

UNCF HBCUs need help during the best of times because of persistent funding gaps. UNCF works to provide the support they need to enable more students pursue their educational endeavors and graduate from college prepared for leadership roles, competitive employment and active participation in society.

“UNCF was built on the act of giving, and participation in #GivingTuesday shows our steadfast commitment to educating our students and providing resources to our HBCUs, especially in this time of unprecedented crisis,” Lomax added. “UNCF and our member colleges and universities have persevered through many other turbulent times, and we cannot let this disaster wash away decades of progress and HBCU legacies.”

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations.

Help UNCF make a difference in a student’s life in many ways:

1. Donate today by visiting UNCF.org/Donate
2. Share your donation on social media using the #GivingTuesday
3. Sign-up for UNCF’s e-mail list at UNCF.org
4. Follow #UNCF on Facebook , Twitter @UNCF and Instagram
5. Give through your job; ask your employer to join the UNCF Workplace program

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About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

About #GivingTuesday 
#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners to transform how people, think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.

CONTACT: Monique LeNoir
United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF)
202-810-0231
monique.lenoir@uncf.org