CUL Receives Transformational Gift From Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Gift will allow Columbus Urban League to dramatically expand and enhance empowerment programs 

October 31, 2022

The Columbus Urban League (CUL) today announced a transformational gift that will allow the organization to dramatically expand and enhance the reach of its empowerment programs.

Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott has donated $6.5M, one of the largest single planned gifts in the organization’s 104-year history.

“We’re honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team recognized the Urban League’s value and impact to the community,” said Stephanie Hightower, CUL President and CEO. “By placing racial equity and social justice at the forefront of her philanthropic mission, Ms. Scott is not only validating our work but shining a much-needed spotlight on the nation’s structural and institutional limitations and helping to build a stronger, more resilient society for everyone.”

CUL will use the contribution to be strategic about building capacity and stabilizing programming.

“We have historically lived hand to mouth due to Philanthropic redlining. And while this gift allows for aspirational planning it is important that our local investors and partners continue to support the relevant and impactful programmatic efforts our community deserves.”

CUL is one of 25 Urban League affiliates around the nation who received similar donations from Ms. Scott, who in 2019 signed The Giving Pledge, a promise by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes.

Read Related Articles:

— Columbus Dispatch
— WOSU News
— NBC4
— Columbus Business First
— Columbus Underground

About The Columbus Urban League

The 104-year-old Columbus Urban League (CUL) is an advocate and resource for Black and urban communities that is dedicated to growing wealth, education, earning power and small businesses while also supporting strong families. Driven to advance racial equity and social justice, CUL has distinguished itself as an effective organization in numerous ways, including as one of only ten organizations to be selected for funding by One Million Black Women and by earning ranking as one of the top five percent of all 93 National Urban League affiliates. For more information, visit cul.org.