Full Breakdown
Michael Jordan’s $10 Million Gift to UNC’s School of Social Work
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Former NBA star Michael Jordan has pledged a $10 million donation to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work. Announced on October 5, the gift will rename the Global Social Development Innovations Center as the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, bolster the Jordan Institute for Families, and launch the Jordan Family Scholars program to fund Master of Social Work students.
Background & Context
Jordan’s connection to UNC runs deep: he played for the Tar Heels from 1981-84, earned a bachelor’s degree in 1986, and has long supported the university. In 1996 his family founded the Jordan Institute for Families to promote safe, stable, nurturing families. The Global Social Development Innovations Center, created in 2017, focuses on evidence-informed approaches to improve youth and family well-being. The new donation builds on these earlier initiatives and honors Jordan’s mother, Deloris P. Jordan, whose lifelong dedication to children and families inspired the gift.
Data & Statistics
- Donation amount: $10 million – the largest single gift in the School of Social Work’s history.
- Scholarships: Ten inaugural Jordan Family Scholars will each receive a $12,500 award, reducing financial barriers for Master of Social Work students.
- Center impact: The renamed center will continue its work on youth voice, emerging technologies, and international partnerships, including opportunities for students to travel to Kenya’s Women’s and Children’s Wellness Center, founded by Deloris Jordan in 2010.
Official Statements & Responses
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Deloris P. The school’s dean highlighted that the gift could help address shortages of social workers serving children, older adults, and individuals affected by substance use or developmental disabilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Michael Jordan, Former basketball player The gift establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program
- “We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and the people and communities we serve,” — UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee
- “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,” — Michael Jordan, Former basketball player The gift establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program
- “This gift is really an investment in you: the next generation of social workers,” — Michael Jordan, Former basketball player The gift establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program
Impact and Future Plans
The scholarship program aims to make graduate education in social work more accessible, thereby expanding the professional workforce needed to address complex community challenges. Strengthening the Global Social Development Innovations Center is expected to enhance research collaborations and expand international field experiences, particularly in Kenya, where Deloris Jordan’s wellness center serves over 200,000 people. The Jordan Institute for Families will continue its research, policy, and community-engagement work, building on the foundation laid since 1996.
What's Next
UNC plans to integrate the newly funded initiatives into its curriculum and expand student travel opportunities to Kenya. Ongoing evaluation of the scholarship program’s impact on enrollment and workforce diversity will be reported in future university updates.