Michael Jordan donates $10 million to UNC in honour of his mother, setting a record for its School of Social Work as a global research centre takes her name and 10 students receive scholarships

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. Jordan. Announced on October 5, 2026, the commitment is the largest single donation in the school's history. 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. The money will also support research and community partnerships extending beyond North Carolina. 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.Michael Jordan's $10 million donation puts his mother's name on a major UNC centreThe 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.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. He said the funding would help the school extend its work across North Carolina and internationally.Jordan also spoke about the personal significance of the decision. 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.”“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.”10 students receive the first Jordan Family ScholarshipsPart of the $10 million commitment will go towards a new scholarship initiative called the Jordan Family Scholars programme. It is designed to help Master of Social Work students whose financial circumstances might otherwise make postgraduate study more difficult.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. 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.”The scholarships are also part of a wider effort to strengthen the social work workforce. Students trained at the school go on to work in settings where support can include family services, mental health, community development and assistance for vulnerable children.Deloris Jordan said, “I am deeply proud to have been part of the Carolina family for more than 40 years, and 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.”The Jordan family's connection with UNC dates back decadesThe new commitment builds on an association between the Jordan family and the university that extends well beyond Michael Jordan's time as a student. In 1996, he and his family established the Jordan Institute for Families, which works on issues affecting family stability and well-being.Its programmes cover a broad range of subjects, including maternal health, caregiving, mental health, home visiting and economic support. The institute also works to bring community experience into research, public policy and professional practice, with an emphasis on equity and engagement.The Global Social Development Innovations Center followed in 2017. Its work focuses on developing and assessing approaches intended to improve opportunities for young people and their families. Rather than relying solely on academic research, the centre works alongside local organisations and communities, drawing on their experience when designing and evaluating programmes.Deloris Jordan's work extends to women and children in KenyaBeyond her involvement with the university, Deloris Jordan has established projects addressing healthcare and support for vulnerable communities overseas. In 2010, she founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Nairobi, an organisation focused on providing healthcare to underserved populations.The centre works with survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse. Its activities also include training first responders to provide appropriate care, alongside community programmes and advocacy. According to UNC, the organisation has reached more than 203,700 people through its work.Her involvement in Kenya will feature during a global research symposium organised by the renamed centre alongside the donation celebration. Academics, practitioners and representatives from partner organisations in more than 20 countries are due to gather in Chapel Hill for the two-day event.The programme includes research presentations and panel discussions covering youth participation, emerging technology partnerships and approaches to sustainable development. A fireside conversation with Deloris Jordan will also examine her work in Kenya.A new investment in the university's social work missionMichael Jordan's latest gift adds to the family's existing involvement in programmes at UNC, but its scale makes it a significant development for the School of Social Work. The funding combines support for research and institutional initiatives with direct assistance for students preparing to enter the profession.For the university, the renamed centre and the Jordan Family Scholars programme create two distinct ways of carrying the family's contribution forward. One is focused on expanding research and partnerships across communities, while the other addresses the cost of education for future social workers. Jordan graduated from UNC in 1986 and has maintained a connection with the institution since his college years. His latest commitment places that relationship alongside his mother's work with families and communities, with the university set to direct the funding towards programmes operating both locally and internationally.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.