October 13, 2025 – The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) celebrates the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation‘s $50 million, 10-year scholarship investment to support Atlanta HBCU students. The foundation announced Monday a landmark pledge to support students at four of Atlanta HBCUs. The funding will provide gap scholarships intended to increase the number of students graduating from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College and Spelman College.

“Atlanta holds a special place in my heart and will always be an integral part of our family foundation’s giving,” said Arthur M. Blank, chairman, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “We know Spelman, Morris Brown, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta are vital to Atlanta’s future, and we are deeply committed to supporting the students who will carry the legacy forward. We recognize that these campuses, like many across the country, are home to generations of students whose promise inspires us. Our hope is that by helping more students earn their degrees, launch successful careers and become alumni who give back, we are investing in a cycle of opportunity that benefits young people and their families in Atlanta and communities across the nation for years to come.”

The foundation’s investment in gap scholarships is designated to overcome the financial barrier, helping more students complete their education. Beginning in 2026, the program is project to support nearly 10,000 students, helping raise graduation rates across Atlanta’s HBCUs and serve as a model to other philanthropies to expand investment in HBCU student success.

The funding is from the Blank Foundation’s Founder Initiatives portfolio, including support of essential Atlanta institutions.

Investing in Student Success

Gap Scholarships will provide direct support to students who are closest to earning their degrees but face financial gaps that could prevent them from finishing. By bridging these gaps, the program will help ensure students stay enrolled, graduate on time and step into their futures with a completed degree.

“Event a small financial gap can be the difference between walking across the graduation stage or walking away,” said Fay Twersky, president, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “We are proud to stand with Atlanta’s HBCUs and help more students achieve their dreams. These grants are a material investment in hope.”

Continuing a Legacy of HBCU Support

The scholarship initiative builds on the Blank Foundation’s longstanding commitment to HBCUs, including:

• $10 million to Spelman College for the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab 
• $6 million for athletic field refurbishments at Clark Atlanta, Albany State, Miles College and Savannah State 
• $3 million to Morris Brown College to digitize a one-year hospitality credential
• $400,000 to Morehouse College Golf Program with PGA TOUR Superstore 
• New football helmets for Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University student-athletes

Economic and Community Impact

The scholarships are expected to fuel long-term benefits for students and the broader community: 

• HBCU graduates will earn 57% more in their lifetimes than they would without a degree.
• An HBCU graduate working full-time can expect to earn $1M+ in additional income over the course of their career. 
• HBCUs outperform all other institutions in moving students from the lowest 40% of household income to the top 60%. 
• Atlanta’s HBCUs contribute $1 billion in annual economic impact to the region.

HBCU Presidents on the Impact of Scholarship Funding

Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, President, Morehouse College 

“This monumental investment will empower our students to remain focused on their academic studies  and ensure that their talent, ambition, hard work, and integrity, not financial hardship, will determine  their futures.” 

Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, Interim President, Spelman College 

“This investment affirms that every Spelman scholar deserves access to a world-class education. It  expands our ability to bridge financial gaps and support students through to graduation.” 

Dr. George T. French Jr., President, Clark Atlanta University 

“This transformative gift empowers Clark Atlanta students to succeed and lead globally. It provides the  critical resources they need to graduate and prepare for leadership in the global marketplace.” 

Dr. Kevin E. James, President, Morris Brown College 

“The Blank Foundation’s commitment provides critical support for Morris Brown students in their educational journeys. It removes economic barriers that have historically stood in the way of achieving  their aspirations.” 

HCF Commends the Impact of the Investment in Student Success and Scholarship Funding

Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF

“The Blank Foundation’s commitment to and investment in student success affirms that HBCUs are a vital part of the future of higher education. We stand alongside these institutions and their communities in expressing our deep gratitude to The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Investments like this not only empower and encourage students to pursue their educational goals—they also spark long-term success beyond graduation and inspire others to pursue their own collegiate journeys. This support will provide essential resources that students need today to thrive both academically and personally.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is a philanthropy founded to help transform lives and communities by uniting people across differences to find common cause. Started in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the foundation has granted more than $1.5 billion to charitable causes. Our collective giving areas are Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. Across these areas, we take on tough challenges by uniting the courage and compassion of our communities so we can all thrive together. In addition to the priority areas of giving, the foundation oversees a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta nonprofit institutions, such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Shepherd Center, and enduring founder-led initiatives, such as veterans and the military and stuttering, among others. The foundation will also continue to guide the six associate-led giving committees operating across the Blank Family of Businesses. For more information, please visit www.blankfoundation.org.

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