Robert F. Smith’s Philanthropy
Philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith is committed to uplifting the human spirit, particularly by supporting and leading organizations that address issues in communities that often lack access to opportunities and resources. Smith works with Fund II Foundation as its founding director and President. Through his work, he has helped fund racial equity and educational reform initiatives and outdoor access and historic preservation efforts. In addition, his partnership with Fund II Foundation led to the creation of internship and career pipeline opportunities, including internXL, for Black Americans and other underrepresented groups.
Paying it Forward: Pillars of Philanthropy
Smith first learned about the importance of giving back to others from watching his family give to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) each month, regardless of their financial situation. This inspired Smith to give back and focus on pillars of philanthropy, including:
Ultimately, Smith hopes to teach younger generations about the importance of giving back through his philanthropic efforts and inspire others to step forward and become community leaders and philanthropists who will help make the world a better place for all.
Smith aims to encourage outdoor preservation and access by working with organizations like Lincoln Hills Cares.
“There’s nothing greater than liberating the human spirit.”
-Robert F. Smith
Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners
About Smith
Smith was born into a middle-class family in Denver, CO. Smith’s mother carried him as an infant to the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The words spoken that day by iconic leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about the connection between economic health and civil rights were reiterated to Smith by his parents throughout his childhood. Smith has worked to advance this conversation by bringing awareness to the limited opportunities present for those who lack access to education and job opportunities, which ultimately deprives them of the ability to build generational wealth. Smith would later reflect on the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words during the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, where he delivered a speech highlighting the fight for racial equity.
Smith is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), a leading global investment firm. Founded in 2000, the firm exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses across three investment strategies, including private equity, permanent capital and credit. The idea behind Vista’s investment strategy stems from Smith’s belief that the transformative power of technology is the key to a better future — a healthier planet, a smarter economy, a diverse and inclusive community and a broader path to prosperity.
Over the years, Smith has broadened the scope of his philanthropic work to include support for Morehouse College, Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), Southern Communities Initiative (SCI) and more. In 2017, Smith became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, committing to investing more than half of his net worth in charitable projects that will ensure a better future for humankind.
News and Updates
Southern University Breaks Black Male Nursing Student Enrollment Record
In 2024, Southern University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health welcomed 33 Black male nursing students into their cohort, the largest in its history.
Robert F. Smith Joins Grand Slam Track’s Board of Directors
In 2024, Robert F. Smith joined the board of directors of Grand Slam Track, the premier global track and field league.
Celebrating Women in Finance at the 2024 Girls Who Invest Inaugural Gala
The Girls Who Invest 2024 Inaugural Gala honored Robert F. Smith and Jean M. Hynes, celebrated women in finance and raised funds to advance gender diversity in the industry.
Multimedia
Watch conversations, speeches and interviews of Smith to learn more about his life, philanthropy and thought leadership.
