Board Approves $4 Million Distribution to the 11 UM-Related HBCUs

Photo courtesy of Clark Atlanta University

By Higher Education and Ministry staff

NAIROBI — At their April meeting in Nairobi, board members of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) approved a one-time distribution of $4 million from agency reserve funds in support of the 11 United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States.

The decision comes at a critical time for church-related institutions, which are facing reduced financial support from declining apportionment giving as well as an increasingly complex political climate affecting U.S. higher education, particularly HBCUs.

The additional funding, dispersed evenly across all 11 HBCUs, reinforces the vital role these institutions play in shaping leaders and transforming lives. The recipient institutions are Bennett College, Bethune-Cookman University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Huston-Tillotson University, Meharry Medical College, Paine College, Philander Smith University, Rust College, and Wiley University.

“This funding stems from our commitment to educational access and leadership formation at United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “While we hope the funds will help our institutions, it’s not just about money. This is about supporting education at HBCUs at a critical time. We will continue to deepen our relationships with HBCUs and engage in conversations about we can continue to  support their goals.”

That engagement, Fernandes added, includes ongoing dialogue around sustainability, leadership development, and the evolving role of church-related institutions in a changing higher education landscape.

HBCUs continue to rely on strong church partnerships to sustain their missions and serve their communities. Support for these schools has long been tied to the church’s commitment to racial equity and justice — a commitment that remains essential as HBCUs navigate both financial uncertainty and increased political pressure.

The April 8 vote also aligns with a broader education strategy adopted by the HEM board that prioritizes equitable access to education, stronger connections between the church and the academy, and the development of transformational leaders for both church and society. Within this framework, the Black College Fund remains a vital expression of The United Methodist Church’s educational mission.