TIME100 released its inaugural list of the “Most Influential People in Philanthropy” in 2025, honoring Robert F. Smith for his support of philanthropic causes that create opportunities for people from different communities. The list recognizes 100 people shaping the future of giving and driving meaningful impact.
Ahead, we share background on TIME100 lists and its new focus on philanthropy, why Smith was selected for the list and how he continues to make an impact through his giving.
TIME100’s Inaugural List of the Most Influential People in Philanthropy
Time Magazine created the first TIME100 list in 1999 to rank the most influential people of the 20th century. The original list was divided into five categories, each representing a different area of influence:
- Leaders and Revolutionaries
- Artists and Entertainers
- Builders and Titans
- Scientists and Thinkers
- Heroes and Icons
TIME100 has since evolved into a series of lists that celebrate the accomplishments across industries and themes. In 2025, TIME100 unveiled its first list of the most influential people in philanthropy. The list is divided into four categories:
- Titans
- Leaders
- Trailblazers
- Innovators
Each tier highlights a different aspect of philanthropic leadership. Alongside Smith, TIME100 honored Oprah Winfrey, Melinda French Gates and Aliko Dangote as Titans of philanthropy. Elizabeth Alexander and Artis Stevens were named to the Leader level, while Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tiffany Benjamin were honored as Trailblazers. Michael Sheen and Badr Jafar were also honored as Innovators.
How Robert F. Smith Became a Titan of Philanthropy
Smith’s dedication to philanthropy stems from his upbringing. His parents, both educators with doctorates, were active supporters of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and leaders in their local community. Smith’s mother contributed to the UNCF each month, no matter the financial situation of the family. As a baby, Smith attended the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with his mother and brother — an experience that came full circle when he spoke at the 60th anniversary of the march.
Smith was named to the Titan category of Time100’s 2025 list of the “Most Influential People in Philanthropy” for his sustained commitment to advancing education, healthcare and economic opportunity for people from different communities. TIME highlighted his landmark $34 million gift to Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class and noted his continued focus on long-term impact.
Through initiatives like internXL and Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), Smith has worked to expand access to career opportunities and affordable education for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). His support for healthcare organizations focused on early detection and outcomes, and his role as the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, further reflect the values that earned him recognition on this year’s list.
You can learn more about Smith’s philanthropic work through the organizations and initiatives he supports:
- Fund II Foundation
- Student Freedom Initiative (SFI)
- internXL
- Southern Communities Initiative (SCI)
- Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit
Follow Smith on LinkedIn and YouTube to stay up to date on his latest acts of philanthropy.
