2026 UNCF "A Mind Is..."® Gala -- Chicago
Organized by United Negro College Fund
The 26th Annual UNCF Chicago "A Mind Is..."® Gala: Continuing the Legacy: An Evening of Illuminating the Promise of HBCUs.
- Dates
- Jun 6, 2026
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Deadline
- -
- Attendees
- 500
- Vendors
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About this conference
The 26th Annual UNCF Chicago "A Mind Is..."® Gala: Continuing the Legacy: An Evening of Illuminating the Promise of HBCUs. This inspiring evening brings together community leaders, donors, and partners to expand educational opportunities for Chicagoland students. Your support directly funds scholarships, supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and helps create pathways to college and career success. Attendees will celebrate achievements, hear powerful student stories, and make a lasting impact. The event features a "Blue Carpet Experience" with exclusive media coverage, a special segment by urban historian Sherman "Dilla" Thomas uncovering deep-rooted connections between Chicago, Black excellence, and education, and live entertainment. Annually, this signature fundraising and premier social event raises nearly $1M in vital funding, gathering Chicago's civic leaders, dignitaries, volunteers, public officials, and HBCU alumni to support UNCF's mission of investing in better futures for HBCUs and the students they serve.
Sponsorship options
Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels: Presenting Sponsor ($100,000), Chancellor Sponsor ($50,000), President Sponsor ($25,000), Trustee Sponsor ($15,000), and Professor Sponsor ($10,000). Benefits include prominent brand placement, digital advertisements, premium tables, logo presentations, and acknowledgments during the program. A full sponsorship package is available via a provided PDF link.
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Roles and teams represented at 2026 UNCF "A Mind Is..."® Gala -- Chicago
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Vendors at this conference
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