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
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
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
Robert F. Smith Interviewed at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival
Robert F. Smith discussed digital equity, AI, diversity in tech and more with NBC News’ Antonia Hylton at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
Student Freedom Initiative’s Expansion Into TCUs Helps Underserved Native American Students
Student Freedom Initiative has expanded into TCUs to help even more often underserved and underrepresented students. Learn more.
Jeremiah Jacobs’ Wish Granted by Robert F. Smith and Make-A-Wish
Learn more about Jeremiah Jacobs’ incredible Make-A-Wish story, which included the opportunity to meet Robert F. Smith.
internXL Partners With Focus Your Ideas (FYI), An Innovative AI-Powered Platform
internXL’s partnership with FYI will help connect the rich pool of diverse talent that internXL cultivates with the innovative AI-powered app. Learn more.
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture Receives Donation From Autodesk
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture received an unrestricted $5 million donation from Autodesk Inc.
The Impact of Black Women Inventors on Science and Technology
Learn about Sarah E. Goode, Marie Van Brittan Brown, Valerie Thomas and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, four Black women inventors who helped propel science and technology forward through innovation.