MADISON, Wis. — The Urban League of Greater Madison received a multi-million-dollar donation this week that will give the organization extra resources to provide community-based programming.
MacKenzie Scott — a philanthropist who’s given to several Madison-area groups in the past — recently donated $2.9 million to the organization, making hers the largest single private donation in the affiliate’s 55-year history, according to a press release shared Monday.
“We’re honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team have recognized the Urban League’s value and impact to the community,” Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., president and CEO of ULGM said in a statement. “By placing racial equity and social justice at the forefront of her philanthropic mission, Ms. Scott is shining a much-needed spotlight on the nation’s structural and institutional limitations and is helping to build a stronger, more resilient society for everyone.”
Group leaders said they plan to use a portion of the funds to support the Black Business Hub, with the remaining funds going toward the Black Business Hub Accelerator Program and community development programs focused on career readiness, home ownership assistance and more.
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Construction on the Black Business Center began back in April; once completed, the space will provide resources to help Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs network and develop their business ideas.
Scott’s donation brings the project’s fundraising total to $22 million, just $4 million shy of the total goal.
Twenty-five Urban League affiliates around the country also received similar donations from Scott. In 2019, the philanthropist signed “The Giving Pledge,” promising to give a majority of her wealth to charitable causes.
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