Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

About Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s grantmaking is built around long-term scholarship and advising support for high-achieving students with financial need. Recent awards show that pattern clearly: $1,000,000 went to Jackson State University Development Foundation Inc for current scholarships and an endowed scholarship fund for STEM students at the HBCU, while $1,000,000 supported Morgan State University Foundation Inc for a current scholarships and endowed scholarship fund. The foundation also backs college access and completion organizations that move students through key transitions. The Aspen Institute Inc received $275,000 to support the Transfer Scholars Network, and Delaware College Scholars Inc received $250,000 to help high-achieving, under-resourced students prepare for college. Alongside these larger institutional grants, the foundation funds advising, bridge, and enrichment programs that support students before and after college entry. That mix reflects a funder focused on educational opportunity from middle school through graduate study, with a strong emphasis on students who need both financial support and structured guidance. Its active programs include scholarships, college access grants, academic achievement grants, local support grants, and the Young Scholars Program.

What Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Funds

A major theme is STEM and HBCU support. In 2025, Jackson State University Development Foundation Inc received $1,000,000 for current scholarships and an endowed scholarship fund for STEM students at the HBCU, while American Indian Science and Engineering Society received $500,000 to support and increase graduation in STEM higher education of Indigenous students. College transfer is another clear line of work. The Aspen Institute Inc received $200,000 for a national community college transfer pipeline to selective institutions, and a separate 2025 award of $275,000 supported the Transfer Scholars Network. The foundation also invests in student mental health and school-based prevention. Stephen C Rose Legacy Foundation received $600,000 to support the Steve Fund’s equity in mental health on campus program and mental health events, and Active Minds Inc received $600,000 to help reach 1,000 new K-12 schools in 1,000 days. Arts support appears through From the Top Inc, which received $1,030,000 in 2023 and $515,000 in 2024 for scholarships and educational programming.

How Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Gives