United Negro College Fund, usually called the UNCF, is a nonprofit fund-raising organization. Its membership consists of about 40 historically black colleges and universities in the United States. The UNCF raises money to help operate the schools, all of which are private. In addition, it provides other services to the schools, including educational and administrative counseling.
The organization was founded in 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson, president of Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). The UNCF receives contributions from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Headquarters are in Fairfax, Virginia.