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

The Importance of Preserving Black History and Historical Landmarks
Learn more about Black historical sites that are close to being “endangered” and what can be done to preserve them.

Why Diversity Is Crucial in the STEM Workforce
Diversity in the STEM workforce continues to fall behind. See why achieving equity in the STEM field will impact generations to come.

Bridging the Gap With internXL: Inequities in Internships
Learn about the inequities in internship opportunities for students from underrepresented communities and how programs like internXL are addressing them.

Addressing Healthcare Inequities and Breast Care Treatment for Black Women
Robert F. Smith is dedicated to helping address inequities in women’s healthcare, including breast cancer treatment. Learn about the organizations he supports.

The Importance of Becoming More Financially Literate
Learn about why it is important to become financially literate and tips to increase literacy.

Disconnected: What Is Being Done About Internet Access Inequities
Learn about how a lack of access to the internet exacerbates other inequities facing underserved and underrepresented communities in the U.S.