Chapel Hill, N.C. – – October 05, 2026 -- Michael Jordan has committed $10 million to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, the largest single gift in the school's history, honoring his mother Deloris P. Jordan and funding scholarships, research centers and workforce development initiatives.
Gift renames global research center after Deloris P. Jordan
The commitment will rename the Global Social Development Innovations Center, established in 2017, as the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center. The center designs and evaluates evidence-based interventions for youth and family well-being in partnership with local organizations worldwide.
Ten scholars to receive $12,500 each under new program
The gift establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program for Master of Social Work students facing financial barriers to graduate education. Ten inaugural scholars will each receive $12,500, addressing rising demand for trained social workers amid an acknowledged shortage in the profession.
Jordan Institute for Families, founded 1996, gains fresh funding
The Jordan Institute for Families, created by Michael Jordan and his family three decades ago, will also benefit from the investment. The institute's programs cover maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health and economic support for families.
Global symposium to draw participants from more than 20 countries
The gift announcement coincides with the launch of the Global Research Symposium at the Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill, a two-day event bringing scholars and practitioners from over 20 countries to discuss youth development, emerging technology partnerships and sustainable social interventions. The agenda includes a fireside chat with Deloris Jordan on her work in Kenya.
Kenya center founded by Deloris Jordan has reached 203,700 people
Deloris Jordan founded the Kenya Women and Children's Wellness Centre in Nairobi in 2010 to serve survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse while training first responders. The center has reached more than 203,700 individuals through its healthcare and advocacy programs.
Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson said the investment will reach "from our classrooms in Chapel Hill to the many organizations and communities we partner with in North Carolina and across the globe."