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

Robert F. Smith Joins Grand Slam Track’s Board of Directors
In 2024, Robert F. Smith joined the board of directors of Grand Slam Track, the premier global track and field league.

Celebrating Women in Finance at the 2024 Girls Who Invest Inaugural Gala
The Girls Who Invest 2024 Inaugural Gala honored Robert F. Smith and Jean M. Hynes, celebrated women in finance and raised funds to advance gender diversity in the industry.

How Black-Owned Banks Help Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap
Black-owned banks, credit unions and nonprofits provide financial options to communities historically excluded from wealth-generating financial tools like mortgages and business loans.

How Cornell University’s STEP Is Helping Increase Representation in STEM
Founded in 1986, Cornell University’s STEP helps high school students from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in STEM.

Inclusivity in the Arts: Black Arts Organizations
Black arts movements paved the way for Black organizations to help promote inclusivity in the arts.

Black Giving Circles: A Look Back at Black Philanthropy
Black giving circles and philanthropy have a history of uplifting communities through transformative contributions.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman’s Gift Makes Tuition Free for Albert Einstein College of Medicine Students
In early 2024, Dr. Ruth Gottesman made one of the largest contributions to a medical school in recent history when she donated $1 billion to the Einstein College of Medicine to establish the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund.

Bridging the Latino Higher Education Gap: The Community College Bachelor’s Programs
Community colleges are helping to bridge the Latino higher education gap with tools like the Community College Bachelor’s Programs.

Robert F. Smith Supports the Trail Bridge at Congress Avenue and Other Outdoor Spaces
Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista) Robert F. Smith, champions equitable access to outdoor spaces. He also works to preserve Black historic sites throughout the U.S.

Robert F. Smith Receives the 2023 HBCU Impact Award
Robert F. Smith works tirelessly to impact and uplift the Black community and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through various initiatives and programs.

Detecting Breast Cancer With the Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch
The invention of more groundbreaking medical technology, known as the Conformable Ultrasound Patch, is helping to detect cancers early.

Honoring 60 Years: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
The 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 2023.