Philanthropy
News and Updates
Read the latest news about Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy as well as events and news concerning his thought leadership, philanthropic partners and charitable initiatives.
![A college student wears a graduation cap, and to the left is positioned a logo of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Robert-f-Smith-org-SFI-Expansion-Into-TCUs.jpg)
Student Freedom Initiative’s Expansion Into TCUs Helps Underserved Native American Students
Student Freedom Initiative has expanded into TCUs to help even more often underserved and underrepresented students. Learn more.
![Jeremiah Jacobs and his family pose for a photograph outside with Robert F. Smith during Jeremiah’s Make-A-Wish Foundation wish](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/unnamed-1-min.png)
Jeremiah Jacobs’ Wish Granted by Robert F. Smith and Make-A-Wish
Learn more about Jeremiah Jacobs’ incredible Make-A-Wish story, which included the opportunity to meet Robert F. Smith.
![Robert F. Smith, Bernice King, Linda Wilson and Angela Christine Farris Watkins with a large, ceremonial key in the King family home in Atlanta.](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robert-f-Smith-org-The-Civil-Rights-Story-Is-American-History.jpg)
The Civil Rights Story Is American History
Robert F. Smith, Fund II Foundation and the National Park Foundation are working to safeguard Black historical sites in the U.S. Learn more in this USA Today article.
![A Black woman inventor wearing a gray blazer while working on a robotic arm in a lab](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robert-f-Smith-org-Black-Women-Inventors_v2.jpg)
The Impact of Black Women Inventors on Science and Technology
Learn about Sarah E. Goode, Marie Van Brittan Brown, Valerie Thomas and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, four Black women inventors who helped propel science and technology forward through innovation.
![HBCU student in front of a computer conducting research as part of NASA’s MUREP and DEAP initiatives](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robert-f-Smith-org-NASA-MUREP-and-DEAP.jpg)
NASA’s Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) Opportunity Funds Eight HBCU Programs
In 2023, NASA selected eight HBCUs to receive funding through their Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) opportunity.
![Mom and young daughter walk hand-in-hand in a park with the Pivotal Ventures logo on the right side of the image](https://robertfsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Robert-f-Smith-org-Melinda-Gates-and-Womens-Issues.jpg)
Melinda French Gates Donates $1 Billion to Support Women’s Rights
Melinda French Gates, business owner and philanthropist, has pledged $1 billion to organizations and individuals advocating for women’s issues and rights.