How the Black College Fund sustains our HBCUs
For more than 150 years, The United Methodist Church has invested in the education and empowerment of African Americans and other underserved communities. Since 1972, the Black College Fund (BCF), administered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, has supported 11 United Methodist–related HBCUs in the United States by strengthening academic programs, maintaining infrastructure, and keeping tuition affordable.
“Our agencies remain fully committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in education,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “The government’s attacks on and subsequent elimination of such programs makes the Black College Fund even more vital in supporting the 11 United Methodist- related HBCUs in fulfilling their vital missions.”
The Black College Fund supports these institutions through three channels: unrestricted monthly disbursements, quadrennial capital allotments, and the Five Percent Fund for long-range planning and special projects.
Over the coming months, we will highlight each of the 11 BCF-supported HBCUs in order of their founding, beginning with Rust College.
Black College Fund support helps Rust College continue being a beacon of hope
For Dr. Johnny M. Moore, president of Rust College, support from The United Methodist Church and its Black College Fund (BCF) is more than financial, it’s transformational. “I look at those funds as very beneficial. It changes the trajectory of lives forever. …It’s not just about money. It’s about creating opportunities.”
Black College Fund bolsters Claflin University’s mission and reach
“The BCF grants are truly lifesavers on so many levels — both funding and relational. Without the BCF now more than ever, a critical mass of our institutions (11 UM-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)) would be in trouble,” says Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Claflin University’s president.
From stability to innovation: how the Black College Fund propels Clark Atlanta forward
“[The BCF] provides consistent operational support needed to stabilize institutions … when many face unpredictability. This support ensures our schools can meet payroll, retain talent, and focus on long term strategic planning — not crisis management,” said Dr. George T. French, Clark Atlanta University president.
Black College Fund support helps sustain Dillard University’s mission and legacy
“Those [Black College Fund] capital funds are making a tremendous impact. It would not be possible to restore the chapel without the support of The United Methodist Church and the Black College Fund,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, president of Dillard University.
Bennett College leverages church support to expand opportunities for women
“This support means The United Methodist Church believes in Bennett. You believe in what we’re trying to do. You believe in what we’re going to do,” said Dr. Teresa Hardee, Bennett College’s interim president. “We prepare young women to lead, to change and to succeed.”
Wiley University uses Black College Funds to Help Break Cycles and Build Opportunity
“The support we receive is the difference between changing the trajectory of families and seeing cycles of poverty persist,” said Dr. Herman Felton Jr., president of Wiley University. “These investments allow our students and staff to operate in a world driven by technology and AI.”
Huston-Tillotson University Marks 150 Years of Impact and Looks to the Future
“The UMC and Black College Fund support represents kindness. The church and BCF work with us and trust us to manage our operations,” said President Dr. Melva Williams. “Because of The United Methodist Church’s support, we truly have a future.”
