The University of California, Merced today announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history, an extraordinary new commitment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This transformational investment, Ms. Scott’s second major gift to UC Merced, underscores growing national recognition of UC Merced’s rapid ascent as one of the country’s most innovative public research universities and national leader in access and opportunity, student success, and social mobility.
The new gift will accelerate UC Merced’s mission to drive world changing research, to support new spaces designed for teaching, discovery, and the support of talented students from all backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
This historic commitment of $38 million follows Ms. Scott’s previous gift of $20 million in 2021, which helped launch major advancements in student support, research capacity, and campus growth. Together, these investments represent the most significant demonstrations of philanthropic leadership in the university’s two decades of existence.
“This remarkable act of generosity affirms what we know to be true - UC Merced is changing lives, uplifting families, and reshaping what is possible for California and beyond,” said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “We are profoundly grateful for Ms. Scott’s continued trust in our mission and for her belief in our faculty, students and the extraordinary promise of higher education.”
With this gift, UC Merced will accelerate programs that deepen its commitment to access and opportunity, including:
Student success initiatives including those that reduce barriers for students with high financial need
Innovative faculty research programs and experiential learning that prepare graduates to excel in a rapidly changing world
Critical capital projects that expand research capacity, enhance student spaces, and support the infrastructure needed to serve a growing population
The gift significantly accelerates the university’s first ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, Boldly Forward, catalyzing new opportunities for students, faculty and the broader Central Valley community. This new commitment propels the campaign into an exciting new phase and reinforces the university’s standing as one of the nation’s highest ranked, innovative, and accessible public R1 research institutions.
“UC Merced is a powerful example of what public higher education can achieve when access and excellence move hand in hand,” said UC President James B. Milliken. “Ms. Scott’s landmark gift will strengthen the university’s ability to open doors, change lives and expand opportunity across the Central Valley and beyond. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and generosity.”
