Kinseys Donate $2 Million to Florida A&M University

The 1966 graduates are funding scholarships for the Marching 100 band.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

A sunlit red brick campus archway leading into a quiet quadrangle with oak trees in Tallahassee. — Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have pledged $2 million to Florida A&M University, with the funds supporting the Marching 100 band. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have officially pledged a $2 million donation to Florida A&M University. The funds are earmarked to support the institution's renowned Marching 100 band through new scholarships.

Why it matters

This contribution underscores the ongoing philanthropic commitment of the Kinseys, who have raised over $40 million for HBCUs throughout their careers. Their support aims to provide essential financial relief for student performers in Tallahassee.

The donation includes $50,000 for the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and $50,000 for women athletics. This follows the Kinseys' historical fundraising of $40 million for HBCUs and comes alongside a $1 million commitment from Thomas Duncan.

The players

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey

They are long-time philanthropists and graduates of the class of 1966 who maintain the extensive Kinsey African American Art and History Collection.

Florida A&M University

This public historically black university is located in Tallahassee and is the institutional home of the Marching 100 band.

Thomas Duncan

He is a donor who announced a $1 million financial commitment to support the university.

The details

The couple, who are alumni of the university, signed the donation agreement on October 22. In addition to the band scholarship funding, they have pledged support to both the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum and women's athletics programs.

1966: Bernard and Shirley Kinsey graduated from Florida A&M University.
October 22, 2026: The couple signed the official donation agreement.
October 23, 2026: The donation was publicly announced during the homecoming convocation.

Market Landscape

This contribution reflects the broader trend of alumni-led philanthropic support for HBCUs across the country. It highlights how private donors bridge funding gaps, positioning the university to better compete for talent and resources against larger public institutions.

Students involved in the Marching 100 band and women's athletics will see expanded access to scholarship funding as a direct result of these gifts. Local community members can also expect increased resources at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum.

The takeaway

Large-scale private donations often serve as a catalyst for institutional growth at historic universities. Alumni looking to make a lasting impact can look to the Kinseys' legacy as a model for structured, multi-disciplinary financial support.