Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Commits $50 Million to Four Atlanta HBCUs

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has announced a groundbreaking $50 million investment in scholarships for students attending four of Atlanta’s HBCUs; Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College. Spanning ten years, it is expected to impact nearly 10,000 students beginning in 2026.

According to the press release, unlike traditional scholarships, this funding will focus specifically on gap scholarships, those final financial hurdles that too often derail students from graduating. These dollars are designed to help students who are in good academic standing and have already exhausted all other financial aid options. For many students, especially in their junior and senior years, this type of support can be the difference between crossing the graduation stage or dropping out due to unpaid balances.

“Even a small financial gap can be the difference between walking across the graduation stage or walking away,” said Fay Twersky, president of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “These grants are a material investment in hope.”

According to research cited by the foundation, HBCU graduates earn 57% more over their lifetimes than peers without degrees, and Atlanta’s HBCUs generate over $1 billion in annual economic impact.

Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and chairman of the foundation, is also deeply rooted in Atlanta’s identity beyond philanthropy. He owns three of the city’s professional sports teams: the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Drive GC of TGL (2025 SoFi Cup champions), and Atlanta United FC (2018 MLS Cup champions). He serves as chairman of their parent company, AMB Group LLC.

“We know Spelman, Morris Brown, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta are vital to Atlanta’s future,” Blank said. “By helping more students earn their degrees, launch successful careers, and become alumni who give back, we are investing in a cycle of opportunity.”

In addition to the new scholarship fund, the foundation has already been active in supporting HBCUs with over $20 million in additional initiatives, from athletic facility upgrades and new football helmets to digital credentialing programs and innovation labs.

The presidents of the four institutions praised the investment as transformative. Dr. George T. French Jr. of Clark Atlanta said it empowers students to succeed and lead globally. Morehouse College President Dr. F. DuBois Bowman emphasized that it allows students to focus on their studies without being limited by financial hardship. Dr. Kevin James of Morris Brown called it critical support that removes long-standing economic barriers. Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, Interim President of Spelman College, said the investment affirms that every Spelman scholar deserves access to a world-class education.

This announcement isn’t just a win for Atlanta, it’s a model for what serious, long-term investment in HBCU student success can look like. It’s a powerful reminder that when we invest in Black students, we invest in the future of leadership, innovation, and excellence.