Michael Jordan Donates Record-Setting $10M to UNC's School of Social Work in Honor of Mother

Michael Jordan made an eye-popping donation to his alma mater in honor of his mother, Deloris.

Per The Athletic's Brendan Marks, Jordan donated $10 million to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, the largest gift in the school's history. Following the donation, UNC is adding Deloris Jordan's name to its Global Social Development Innovations Center and creating a new Jordan Family Scholars program.

"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 in a statement. "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."

The Jordan Family Scholars program will name 10 Master's of Social Work students as the inaugural recipients of $12,500 scholarships.

Jordan and his family previously founded the Jordan Institute for Families (JIF) in 1996, supporting maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support and social work leadership. Deloris Jordan is a longtime social worker.

"We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and the people and communities we serve," Chancellor Lee Roberts said in a statement. "Deloris Jordan's lifelong dedication to children and families is reflected in this investment, which will strengthen the School of Social Work's ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond."