Michael Jordan has made another major contribution to the University of North Carolina, this time directing a $10 million gift towards the university’s School of Social Work in recognition of his mother, Deloris P. Announced on October 5, 2026, the commitment is the largest single donation in the school’s history. For Jordan, a former UNC student who graduated in 1986, the donation carries a personal connection to his family’s longstanding involvement in community welfare.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported that it is intended to strengthen programmes supporting children, young people and families, while helping students facing the rising cost of postgraduate education. Jordan. The money will also support research and community partnerships extending beyond North Carolina.
The first ten recipients were introduced at the October 5 celebration at UNC. Each received a scholarship worth $12,500, providing direct financial assistance as they prepare for careers in social work. In 1996, he and his family established the Jordan Institute for Families, which works on issues affecting family stability and well-being.
As reported by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he said, “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.
He said the funding would help the school extend its work across North Carolina and internationally. The university said, “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 H. Roberts welcomed the contribution, saying it reflected Deloris Jordan’s longstanding interest in improving conditions for children and families. Jordan also spoke about the personal significance of the decision. The new commitment builds on an association between the Jordan family and the university that extends well beyond Michael Jordan’s time as a student.
The donation will support two existing initiatives at the university: the Jordan Institute for Families and the Global Social Development Innovations Center. The latter has been renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center in recognition of the former basketball star’s mother and her work supporting women, children and families. The university described the commitment as the largest individual contribution received by its School of Social Work. It is expected to strengthen the institution’s research capacity and its work with organisations addressing social challenges at community level. The investment also gives the school additional resources to develop projects with partners outside the United States. “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.”