Thurgood Marshall College Fund Awarded $25 Million Grant for HBCU Capacity Building

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has secured a transformative $25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to enhance the capacity of both the organization and its member institutions, which include historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

This significant funding will support Project HBCU Capacity Building: Maximizing HBCU Performance Through Investments in Research, Operations, and Innovation. Through this initiative, TMCF aims to address pressing infrastructure challenges and foster innovation within HBCUs. By prioritizing student support and enabling institutions to tackle underfunded initiatives, the project seeks to drive operational excellence and bolster institutional capabilities.

“This extraordinary grant allows us to better serve our campuses and students, opening doors for innovative solutions to unique challenges,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for their trust in our mission and vision.”

Racquel Oden, chair of the TMCF Board of Directors and HSBC Head of Wealth, Premier & Global Private Banking, US, emphasized the grant’s transformative potential. “This funding empowers us to advance our mission and make a lasting impact on our students and campuses. We deeply appreciate Lilly Endowment’s confidence in our efforts.”

Key Strategies for Project HBCU Capacity Building
The initiative will focus on three core areas:

1. Improving Administrative Systems: TMCF plans to implement a data management system to streamline data collection and information sharing while offering professional development opportunities like project management and process improvement for staff.
2. Fostering Collaborative Learning: Member institutions will form cohorts to share best practices and resources, with programs aimed at improving enrollment, student services, and community engagement.
3. Providing Targeted Grants: Select member institutions will have access to competitive grant opportunities and technical support. These grants aim to strengthen research and faculty development, improve retention and graduation rates, enhance workforce readiness, and modernize technology systems for enrollment and financial aid.

Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for education, highlighted TMCF’s critical role in advancing HBCU success. “TMCF provides exceptional support to its member institutions, helping students achieve their educational and career goals. We are pleased to support these efforts.”

Over the next five years, TMCF anticipates significant advancements in institutional performance, benefiting not only participating HBCUs but the broader HBCU community through collaborative learning and shared growth.

About TMCF
Founded in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting Black colleges and universities. Representing publicly supported HBCUs, historically Black community colleges, and predominantly Black institutions, TMCF supports nearly 80% of students attending Black colleges. Through scholarships, innovative programs, and partnerships, TMCF plays a vital role in higher education and workforce development.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Established in 1937, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation based in Indianapolis. Created by J.K. Lilly and his sons, the foundation focuses on community development, education, and religion. While its reach spans the United States, Lilly Endowment maintains a special commitment to supporting initiatives in its home state of Indiana.

This grant marks a pivotal moment in TMCF’s efforts to drive excellence across HBCUs, enabling these institutions to continue transforming lives and communities nationwide.