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

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.

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.

The Jackie Robinson Museum Helps Level the Playing Field for Women in Sports
The Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City hosted the “Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Soccer” event in June 2024 to help foster equity in the sport.

Restoring the Siloam School: One of the Last Remaining Rosenwald Schools
Siloam School is one of the last Rosenwald Schools standing today. Learn more about how these wooden schoolhouses helped provide educational opportunities to Black students.

Reflecting on Diversity in the Arts and Arts Education
Diversity in the arts can provide people exposure to the languages, dance and music of other cultures. It can create bridges between societies and even inspire people to become artists themselves. Ahead, we explore the importance of diverse representation in the arts and arts education. We also discuss famed artists

New Pathways for Women in STEM Education and Digital Literacy
Terysa Ridgeway is a computer scientist and STEM advocate who created the innovative children’s book series “Terysa Solves It,” designed to introduce young women to STEM.

How Racial Bias in the Bond Market Impacts Black Americans
New research shows that racial bias has a significant impact on the municipal bond market. Learn more about this issue and how it’s impacting the achievement gap.

Why Do Black Communities Still Have to Fight for Clean Water?
Clean water is essential to surviving yet many Black communities have unsafe water. Learn more about these conditions and what can be done to help.

Student Freedom Initiative Grows to Help Underserved Students
To help free underserved students from student loan debt, Student Freedom Initiative is expanding its program to support 34 schools. Learn more about the new cohort.

Changing Lives Through the Giving Pledge
The Giving Pledge champions wealthy people across the world to dedicate a portion of their wealth to philanthropy. Learn about Robert F. Smith’s commitment.

How Robert F. Smith is Closing the Digital Divide at HBCUs
Equitable access to the internet is lagging at HBCUs. Learn about how philanthropists like Robert F. Smith are helping.

How the National Park Foundation Uplifts Communities
Learn more about Smith’s passion for the outdoors and what the National Park Foundation is doing to uplift communities across the country through nature.