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.
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
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
Robert F. Smith’s Focus on Education and The Eagle Academies
Robert F. Smith has been a longtime supporter of The Eagle Academy Foundation helping young men achieve their educational dreams. Learn more about his support.
Robert F. Smith: Music Lover
Music moves the soul of Robert F. Smith, especially his love of classical composition and working with students in underserved communities.
Robert F. Smith’s Focus on Digitization at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Discover how the National Museum of African American History and Culture used Robert F. Smith’s 2016 donation to digitize programs and how his support continues.
Preserving Black History: Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation
Learn more about how Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation work towards preserving important Black history landmarks throughout the country.
Robert F. Smith’s 2017 Giving Pledge
Giving Pledge philanthropists recognize their wealth gives them a responsibility to find solutions for a better future. Robert F. Smith joined them in 2017.
Robert F. Smith’s Philanthrophy has Lasting Impact on Morehouse Students Lives, Sparks Additional Funding
Robert F. Smith’s gift to pay off the tuition loans of nearly 400 Morehouse College students sparked the idea to create additional funding for HBCU students via Student Freedom Initiative. This loan alternative helps support HBCU students pursuing STEM-related careers.
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
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.