(Madison, Wis.) (Oct. 30, 2022) – The Urban League of Greater Madison announced today 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 $2.9 million, the largest single private donation in the affiliate’s 55-year history.
“We’re honored and grateful that Ms. Scott and her team have recognized the Urban League’s value and impact to the community,” President and CEO Ruben L. Anthony, Jr. said. “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.”
The affiliate will use a portion of the proceeds to support the Black Business Hub project and the Black Business Hub Accelerator Program which will be the Madison region’s premiere enterprise center. It will be devoted to incubating, accelerating, and networking Black and other BIPOC entrepreneurs. This gift brings the project’s total fundraising to $22 million, leaving just $4 million left to reach the campaign’s goal.
The funds will also support the Urban League’s array of other community development programs which includes high school and career readiness programs for youth, career development programs for adults, home ownership programs for families, and a multitude of other community engagement, advocacy, and civil rights initiatives.
The Urban League of Greater Madison 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.
