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
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.
Points of Light Launches a Strategy to Boost Volunteerism
Points of Light is the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service and civic engagement. The name was inspired by President George H.W. Bush, who referred to people and organizations engaged in service in the U.S. as “a thousand points of light” In his 1989 inaugural presidential address. Founded
Steve Harvey’s Commitment to Giving Back
In a 2026 interview with The Associated Press, Steve Harvey discussed his approach to philanthropy and his dedication to giving back to his community. Steve, along with his wife, Marjorie Harvey, co-founded the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which offers mentorship and skill-building opportunities, mental wellness support and fosters a
The Unique Philanthropic Legacy of Cornellian Chuck Feeney
Chuck Feeney’s legacy as an entrepreneur allowed him to make significant philanthropic contributions to organizations and institutions he supported.
MacKenzie Scott’s Impactful Philanthropic Support of HBCUs
In 2025, MacKenzie Scott donated approximately $7.1 million to HBCUs; she reiterates that anyone can make an impact, regardless of scale.
How Providing Students With Online Resources Helps Inspire STEM Careers
Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop
How Philanthropy Supports Student Success and College Affordability
Philanthropy has long played a pivotal role in making higher education more affordable and accessible. Visionary philanthropists like Johns Hopkins and Mary McLeod Bethune created opportunities for students to pursue higher education at institutions that still bear their names. The role of philanthropy in college affordability is even more important