Michael Jordan Gives UNC Social Work Record Gift

Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work on October 5, 2026, honoring his mother Deloris P. Jordan and expanding scholarships, research programs and family support initiatives at the school.

According to UNC School of Social Work and UNC Athletics, the contribution is the largest single gift in the school's history. The funding will support the renamed Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, the Jordan Institute for Families and Master of Social Work student scholarships.

The donation established the Jordan Family Scholars Program, with 10 inaugural Master of Social Work students receiving $12,500 scholarships, according to UNC and sports coverage from Yahoo Sports. The program supports students facing financial challenges and aims to strengthen the social work workforce in North Carolina.

Michael Jordan, a UNC alumnus, said his family has long been connected to service efforts through his mother. The Jordan Institute for Families was founded by Jordan and his family in 1996 to support maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support and child well-being.

"My mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she has spent her life putting that belief into action. Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me. North Carolina will always be home, and I'm proud to support the social workers who are on the ground each and every day helping people navigate challenges, find opportunities and build stronger communities. I hope this gift helps make it possible for more students to pursue this important work," said Michael Jordan.

Deloris P. Jordan has been involved with UNC's School of Social Work for more than 40 years and founded the Kenya Women and Children's Wellness Centre in Nairobi in 2010. According to UNC, the center has reached more than 203,700 individuals through healthcare, training and community programs.

"It is especially meaningful to know that this gift will strengthen the education and opportunities available to those preparing to serve others. Knowing that this work will extend beyond North Carolina through the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center makes it all the more special," said Deloris P. Jordan.

UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said the gift reflects Deloris Jordan's commitment to children and families. The Global Social Development Innovations Center was created in 2017 and will host a symposium with scholars and partners from more than 20 countries.

"We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and the people and communities we serve. Deloris Jordan's lifelong dedication to children and families is reflected in this investment, which will strengthen the School of Social Work's ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond," said Lee H. Roberts, UNC chancellor.

Students receiving the scholarships said the funding reduced financial pressure during graduate study. Tali Bowe, an inaugural Jordan Family Scholar, said the support allows her to focus more on academics and research interests.

"When the scholarship became available, I was both relieved and anxious. I knew this was my opportunity to focus on my schoolwork and develop relationships with professors in areas of research that I was really interested in without having to stress about the financial aspect. When I found out I got the scholarship, I was really relieved. It was a huge weight off my shoulders," said Tali Bowe, Master of Social Work student.

Sydney Hines, another inaugural scholar, said financial demands had created challenges while completing graduate coursework and internships.

"It has been rough to put it bluntly. It's a lot to juggle. We have our internship, class, and then I personally have to work two jobs because I cannot afford not to.

I love this work, and it's such a financial burden that we hold. I don't want to let that get in the way of what I'm passionate about," said Sydney Hines.

Ramona Denby-Brinson, dean of the School of Social Work, said the scholarship recipients represent future professionals serving communities across the state. The students have committed to working in North Carolina after graduation.

"Our students learn to address immediate needs while also advancing policy solutions, organizational innovation and community change. Whether graduates become clinicians, administrators, nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, researchers or public servants, they leave with the skills to strengthen both people and the systems that surround them," said Ramona Denby-Brinson, dean of the School of Social Work.