higher ed funding

UC Merced Receives Historic $38 Million Gift to Expand Research and Student Support

EduPulse Team

10 Dec 2025 — 2 min read

UC Merced

Merced, CA – The University of California, Merced has received a landmark $38 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest single philanthropic gift in the university’s history. Scott, an acclaimed author and philanthropist, is widely known for her major philanthropic initiatives through Yield Giving as well as for her previous marriage to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Her giving has focused heavily on institutions that advance equity, access, and social mobility, particularly those serving underrepresented communities.

The unrestricted funding, announced through the University of California, is intended to expand research opportunities, strengthen student success initiatives, and support campus development.

How UC Merced Plans to Use the Gift

According to UC Merced, the donation will support multiple priority areas:

Student success and access programs, including scholarships and support services for first-generation and low-income students
Expansion of faculty research, funding labs, interdisciplinary projects, and experiential learning
Campus infrastructure improvements, supporting long-term growth and increasing capacity

The gift also strengthens the university’s fundraising campaign, Boldly Forward, an effort highlighted by GV Wire.

Why This Gift Matters

Supporting an Access-Driven Public University

UC Merced enrolls one of the highest shares of Pell Grant–eligible and first-generation students in the University of California system. Unrestricted gifts of this scale are uncommon for newer public research universities, making Scott’s donation especially impactful. Her approach to philanthropy, outlined by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, emphasizes supporting institutions that serve historically underserved populations.

Accelerating a Rapidly Growing Research Institution

UC Merced recently reached R1 Carnegie Classification status, recognizing its very high research activity. New investments in research infrastructure and faculty development could strengthen the university’s competitiveness in securing federal research funding.

Reflecting a Shift in Higher-Ed Philanthropy

Scott’s recent higher education donations reflect a philanthropic turn toward public universities, regional institutions, and colleges that advance economic mobility. Her giving strategy often prioritizes institutions that traditionally receive less private support.

Scott’s $38 million donation positions UC Merced for significant growth in research capacity, student achievement, and community impact. Additional spending details are expected as part of the university’s campaign reporting.

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