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

Lincoln Hills Cares and TEENS, Inc. Partner to Sponsor the TeamWorks Program
TeamWorks is the brainchild of Lincoln Hills Cares and TEENS, Inc. It introduces Colorado youth and young adults to environmental action. Learn more.

Sphinx Organization Promotes Diversity in the Arts
Learn how the Sphinx Organization is expanding Black and Latino representation in classical music.

SFI’s COO Keith Shoates Testifies at U.S. House Hearing: Creating a Better Tomorrow for Students
Learn more about the work Student Freedom Initiative is doing to create equal opportunities for students.

35th National Equal Justice Awards: Recognizing Philanthropic Leaders
In May 2023, the Legal Defense Fund hosted its 35th National Equal Justice Awards Dinner, honoring many incredible individuals.

The NMAAHC and Landmarks Illinois Preserve the Ebony Test Kitchen to Protect and Promote Black History
Black history is American history — and preserving Black historical and cultural sites is vital to expanding knowledge of the triumphs and tribulations of Black Americans.

Mansa: A Hub for Curated Black Cultural Content
Mansa, founded by David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, Chiké Okonkwo and Zak Tanjeloff, introduces global Black cultural content to diverse audiences.

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.