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

National Park Foundation: Programs Help Get Young People Outside
Access to green space has a big impact on children’s health, learn how Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation are creating opportunities for youth.

The EDISON Alliance: Closing the Digital Divide on a Global Scale
As a board member of the EDISON Alliance, Robert F. Smith is aiding a movement designed to bring affordable digital access and solutions to underserved people around the globe.

internXL Creates Equity for Minority Students Aiming for STEM and Business Careers
Robert F. Smith helped create internXL to establish an equitable entry into STEM and business careers for minority students who have achieved excellence, but otherwise might not have a shot.

The Alma Maters of Robert F. Smith: Cornell and Columbia
Robert F. Smith is dedicated to creating opportunities for talent to rise and thrive in minority communities. One ongoing task is creating a pipeline to graduate programs and careers in STEM for HBCU students.

Yellowstone’s 150th Anniversary and the National Park Foundation
Robert F. Smith works with the National Park Foundation to conserve areas across the U.S., like Yellowstone National Park which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2022.

Robert F. Smith’s Passion for Black History Education
Find out how Robert F. Smith is helping preserve Black history and culture through Black History in Two Minutes (or so), a series of short educational videos.

Robert F. Smith at the 788th Meeting of the Economic Club of New York
At the Economic Club of New York, Robert F. Smith spoke about how hiring based on merit ensures a company will find the best candidate for a job. He also met with the Columbia Business School Smith scholars.

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.