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

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

How HBCUs Are Transforming Education Into Economic Empowerment
Explore how HBCUs empower Black students through education, career readiness and community impact, driving economic mobility and bridging the racial wealth gap.

The Importance of Black Women Entrepreneurs
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs today, helping create racial equity in business.

Developing More Green Spaces in Inner Cities
Urban green spaces provide recreational, social and health benefits for residents of inner cities in the U.S. Several organizations are working to build and preserve parks, greenbelts and more.

Bridging the Gap: Propelling Black Pilots Into Aviation
The lack of Black pilots has prompted airlines and other organizations to develop recruiting programs aimed at increasing representation in aviation.

Robert Kraft Donates $1 Million to Promote Black and Jewish Unity
In April 2024, Robert Kraft donated $1 million to United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to promote unity between Black and Jewish student organizations.

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.