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.
Warren Buffett Accelerates His Philanthropic Giving
Famed American philanthropist and investor Warren Buffett announced in July that he plans to accelerate his charitable donations by giving away his remaining Berkshire Hathaway shares by 2034. Buffett, the former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has long planned to donating 99% of his wealth, and his giving continues to shape
Warren Buffett Accelerates His Philanthropic Giving
Famed American philanthropist and investor Warren Buffett announced in July that he plans to accelerate his charitable donations by giving away his remaining Berkshire Hathaway shares by 2034. Buffett, the former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has long planned to donating 99% of his wealth, and his giving continues to shape
Robert F. Smith Interviewed at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival
Robert F. Smith discussed digital equity, AI, diversity in tech and more with NBC News’ Antonia Hylton at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
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’ 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.
internXL Partners With Focus Your Ideas (FYI), An Innovative AI-Powered Platform
internXL’s partnership with FYI will help connect the rich pool of diverse talent that internXL cultivates with the innovative AI-powered app. Learn more.
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture Receives Donation From Autodesk
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture received an unrestricted $5 million donation from Autodesk Inc.
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.
We Are Stronger When We Stand Together
In January 2025, Robert F. Smith visited Kraków, Poland, as part of the Black-Jewish solidarity mission hosted by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation.
How Grameen America Empowers Women Entrepreneurs
Grameen America, a Southern Communities Initiative (SCI) partner organization, helps empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital and financial education.
Highlights and Takeaways on Global Connectivity and Innovation From the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting
Robert F. Smith shared his insights, along with other panelists, at the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
The National Park Foundation’s Inclusive Storytelling Program Awards 2024 Grant Recipients
The National Park Foundation’s Inclusive Storytelling program provided millions in grants to over 60 national park sites and organizations. Visitors can now receive more complete histories of our national parks.
How Black Salons and Barbershops Are Revolutionizing Healthcare Outreach
Black-owned beauty and barber shops use their spaces to provide healthcare outreach to the Black community through initiatives.
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.