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.

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 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 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.

The U.S. Government’s Commitments to Boost Racial Parity in STEM
Racial equity in the STEM field is lagging, but the U.S. government is taking steps to improve it. Learn about what is being done to provide minority students with STEM opportunities.

Economic and Racial Disparities in Access to Nature
Communities of color are likely to live in nature-deprived regions. See what Lincoln Hills Cares is doing to provide opportunities for youth to explore green spaces.

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail Adds New Sites to its Educational Path
The U.S. Civil Rights Trail marks over 130 sites across the U.S that honor Black history. Learn about the new sites being added and why the trail is important.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Opened Carnegie Hall’s 2022–2023 Season on September 29
Carnegie Hall celebrated the start of its 2022-2023 season with an Opening Night Gala concert on Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. featuring The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Intentional Ways to Support Black-Owned Businesses
By supporting a Black-owned business, you are helping revitalize the economy and local communities. See what you can do today to support Black entrepreneurs.

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

How Robert F. Smith’s Philanthropy Inspired the Pay It Forward Project
Dr. Ross D. Jordan, a Morehouse College 2019 graduate, started a nonprofit organization inspired by Robert F. Smith’s gift.

HBCU AWAREFEST 2026: Raising Funds and Awareness For Student Loan Debt Relief
In March 2026, HBCU AWAREFEST kicked off its inaugural event, with a week of events including panel discussions, an AI innovation challenge and a fireside chat with Robert F. Smith.

The Importance of PSA Testing for Early Prostate Cancer Detection
Prostate cancer screenings, like PSA testing, can help healthcare professionals detect prostate cancer early, improving the odds of survival for patients.

How Philanthropy Helps Enhance HBCU Arts Organizations
HBCUs are hubs for arts education, helping students prepare themselves for the creative workforce.

HBCU AWARE FEST To Raise Student Loan Debt Awareness
Made possible through a partnership between Live Nation Urban, Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and the City of Atlanta, the first annual HBCU AWARE FEST will be held at State Farm Arena to raise awareness and funds for HBCU students.