What is the Black College Fund?
The Black College Fund is one of seven apportioned funds of The United Methodist Church. Established by the 1972 General Conference, the fund provides financial support to maintain solid and challenging academic programs, strong faculties and well-equipped facilities at the 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
How does The United Methodist Church distribute the Black College Fund receipts?
The General Council on Finance and Administration treasurer remits monthly receipts for this fund to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for distribution. The Division of Higher Education, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, in consultation with the Council of Presidents of the HBCUs, revises and administers the guidelines and distribution formula. The distribution formula is as follows:
Five-sixths of the fund receipts is distributed to colleges to assist in supporting current operating budgets:
- Each college shares equally 75 percent of the five-sixths operating portion.
- Twenty percent of the operating portion is distributed based on enrollment.
- The remaining 5 percent of the operating portion is distributed equally to each college annually for long-range planning, special academic programs and meeting challenge grants in complying with the guidelines for support established by the General Conference.
Based on need and matching funds, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry distributes one-sixth of the fund receipts, set aside for capital improvements.
What does the term "historically black colleges and universities” mean?
The term reflects the historical origin and mission of the schools and their predominant enrollment and cultural emphasis. For years, the U.S. Department of Education designated colleges and universities as “White” and “Negro,” based on their majority population. The department now uses the term “historically black colleges and universities.” Today Asian, Hispanic, white and international students are enrolling in increasing numbers.
What are the 11 United Methodist-related historically HBCUs?
Bennett College
Greensboro, NC
www.bennett.edu
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
www.bethune.cookman.edu
Claflin University
Orangeburg, SC
www.claflin.edu
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA
www.cau.edu
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA
www.dillard.edu
Huston-Tillotson University
Austin, TX
www.htu.edu
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
www.mmc.edu
Paine College
Augusta, GA
www.paine.edu
Philander Smith College
Little Rock, AR
www.philander.edu
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS
www.rustcollege.edu
Wiley College
Marshall, TX
www.wiley.edu
Do other denominations support private HBCUs today?
Several religious denominations, including others of Methodist origin, support private HBCUs. The United Methodist Church, however, supports the largest number of fully accredited HBCUs in the United States.
Can I give to the Black College Fund online?
You cannot give online to the Black College Fund. We hope to offer online giving to the apportioned funds in the future. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100%.
