Billionaire Michael Jordan Donates $10 Million to UNC School of Social Work in Honor of His Mother

Billionaire Michael Jordan has committed $10 million to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work in honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, marking the largest single gift in the school’s history.

The gift, announced on October 5, will expand the work of UNC’s Global Social Development Innovations Center and the Jordan Institute for Families, while providing scholarships for students pursuing Master of Social Work degrees.

The Global Social Development Innovations Center will be renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center in recognition of Jordan’s mother and her longstanding commitment to improving the lives of children, women and families. UNC said the gift will also strengthen the Jordan Institute for Families, which Michael Jordan and his family founded in 1996.

The donation will establish the Jordan Family Scholars program, with 10 inaugural Master of Social Work students each receiving $12,500 scholarships. The initiative is intended to support students facing financial barriers while preparing the next generation of social workers.

“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,” Jordan said.

“Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me,” he added.

Jordan, who played basketball at UNC from 1981 to 1984, has maintained a longstanding relationship with the university. His family established the Jordan Institute for Families in 1996 to support research, policy and community engagement focused on strengthening families.

The latest gift also extends the philanthropic legacy of Deloris Jordan, whose work has reached beyond the United States. In 2010, she founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Nairobi, which provides healthcare and support to women and children. According to UNC, the centre has reached more than 203,700 people through its programs, community engagement and advocacy.

UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts said the university was grateful for Jordan’s investment, noting that his mother’s dedication to children and families is reflected in the gift.

The Global Social Development Innovations Center, established in 2017, develops and evaluates evidence-informed approaches aimed at improving the well-being of young people and their families. Its work includes partnerships with communities and organizations both in North Carolina and internationally.

Jordan’s latest commitment comes as he continues to build on a fortune generated through sports ownership, endorsements, investments and his long-running partnership with Nike’s Jordan Brand.

Forbes estimates Jordan’s fortune at $4.3 billion, making him the richest retired athlete in the world. He sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 while retaining a minority interest in the NBA franchise, and he remains a co-owner of NASCAR team 23XI Racing.

The $10 million UNC commitment adds to Jordan’s history of major philanthropic gifts, including a $10 million donation to Novant Health in North Carolina in 2025 and a $10 million gift to Make-A-Wish in 2023.

For Jordan, the latest contribution continues a family connection to education, healthcare and community development while supporting students preparing for careers in social work.