Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have received inadequate funding since their inception. This has challenged the development of programs and infrastructure, the adoption of technology, and the recruitment of faculty and students. Yet among HBCUs there are standouts that, despite unequal funding patterns in comparison to predominately White institutions (PWI), have developed curriculums that propelled their institutions to greatness. Spelman College, a historically Black women's college (HBWC), is one of the nation's premier historically Black liberal arts institutions, and its prestigious and enduring legacy has been greatly influenced by both its curriculum and its financial resources. Using the Spelman College presidential administrations as an organizational framework, this article seeks to highlight the role of philanthropy in the evolution of the Spelman College curriculum and provide recommendations to other HBCUs based upon the actions of Spelman College presidents.