AuguryWhittier College Receives $13 Million Unrestricted Gift From MacKenzie Scott — Second Major Donation Boosts Campus Stability
This article was written by the Augury Times
A $13 million boost arrives on Dec. 3, 2025 — a flexible gift that matters now
Whittier College announced on Dec. 3, 2025 that it had received an unrestricted gift of $13 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The college described the gift as a one-time, unrestricted grant intended to be used at the institution’s discretion, and said it is the second major donation Scott has made to Whittier.
The timing matters: small private colleges across the country have struggled with enrollment declines and rising costs, and an unrestricted infusion gives leaders immediate options. For Whittier, which has spent recent years retooling academic offerings and shoring up financial aid, the donation buys breathing room and the ability to prioritize student-facing needs without strings attached.
How the gift will be handled and how it differs from designated donations
Whittier described the $13 million as unrestricted funding in its announcement, meaning the college’s leadership and board can allocate the money where it sees the greatest need. The college said the grant was a one-time gift rather than a multi-year pledge, giving administrators a lump sum to deploy.
In the statement, the college outlined likely uses including bolstering scholarships and financial aid, supporting academic programs, strengthening student services, and shoring up operating reserves. The announcement emphasized that the money does not come with donor-imposed program restrictions, a hallmark of Scott’s philanthropy.
Exact allocations will be set by Whittier’s leadership and board after consultation with campus stakeholders; the college said it will provide more detailed spending plans in the coming months. Because the gift is unrestricted, it can also be used to restore services or lay the groundwork for program growth that had previously been paused for budgetary reasons.
Campus reaction: leaders and students describe what this will enable
“This gift gives us the flexibility to focus on students first,” the college said in a statement attributed to its president. “It will allow us to expand financial aid, invest in key programs, and strengthen the campus experience at a critical moment.”
Trustees and faculty leaders highlighted the practical effect of unrestricted funds. One board member noted that the $13 million will help stabilize the college’s short-term finances and free up restricted endowment earnings for programmatic priorities.
Students reacted with relief and guarded optimism. A senior student leader quoted in the college announcement said, “This means more students like me can afford Whittier and take part in internships and projects that used to be out of reach.” Others on campus said they hoped the money would translate quickly into expanded aid and improved campus services.
Where this gift fits in MacKenzie Scott’s recent giving pattern
MacKenzie Scott has drawn attention in recent years for large, unrestricted gifts to colleges, universities and nonprofits, emphasizing trust-based giving and flexibility. Her approach prefers fewer reporting burdens and more autonomy for recipient organizations, particularly those serving historically underserved communities.
Whittier’s announcement framed this as Scott’s second major gift to the college. That pattern—repeat, unrestricted support—mirrors gifts Scott has made elsewhere, where her donations often arrive without programmatic strings and are intended to accelerate institutions’ strategic priorities.
Next steps for Whittier and what the campus can expect
The college said its immediate next steps include convening the leadership team and the board’s finance committee to finalize priorities and a timeline for disbursing funds. Officials promised a follow-up update to the campus community outlining specific allocations for scholarships, programs and reserves.
Longer-term, administrators said the gift could underwrite new recruitment efforts, modest program expansions, or targeted capital improvements that improve student life and retention. For students and staff watching budgets closely, the donation provides a rare piece of financial certainty—but leaders also cautioned that one-time gifts do not replace the need for sustainable enrollment and operating strategies.
Whittier encouraged alumni and community members to stay engaged as leaders finalize plans; the college said it will publish more details in the coming weeks and host forums to explain how the money will be used.
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