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 sense of leadership through its programming.
“I think I got that from my mother. She always raised me to believe that God blesses you to become a blessing. You have to give to people without expecting anything in return. It’s your job,” Harvey said.
The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation has several programs that help them continue their mission to create a world where every young person, regardless of circumstance, has access to the tools, opportunities and guidance to achieve their full potential.
How the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Is Making an Impact
The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation supports its mission through various programs and activities. Over the past decade, the foundation has provided over $700,000 in academic scholarships to college students. Community programming also includes preparing mothers to raise young men. Perhaps the most well-known programs are The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men and the Girls Who Rule the World retreat.
The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men
The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men is an annual hands-on experience hosted personally by Harvey. Program goals include educational enrichment, providing positive role models through mentoring and raising philanthropic awareness.
To reach these goals, the program combines team-building exercises with educational sessions on a range of topics, including:
- STEM education
- Career readiness
- Financial literacy
- Health and wellness
The program also welcomes business leaders to facilitate workshops and help participants learn life and business skills.
Girls Who Rule the World Retreat
Hosted by Marjorie Harvey, Girls Who Rule the World is a mentorship program that brings together 100 girls for a transformative weekend retreat. The mission of the program is to empower young women to serve, innovate and lead in their communities.
The weekend includes workshops and sessions designed to foster personal growth and professional development, covering topics such as:
- Health and wellness
- Physical fitness
- Financial literacy
- College readiness
- Self-confidence and positive body image
- STEM and business
The goal of the program is to help young women see new possibilities for themselves. It also equips them to pursue their personal and professional goals through skill-building and education.
Robert F. Smith and Steve Harvey Discuss the Importance of Building Skills
Helping students develop personal and professional skills in their youth can set them up for success in life. This is at the core of the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s mission.
Career readiness and education are also pillars of Smith’s philanthropy. Smith made a commitment to eliminate the student loan debt of the entire 2019 Morehouse graduating class, including the debt incurred on their behalf by parents and guardians. This act inspired the creation of Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization that increases access to education without overwhelming debt. Without the burden of student loans, college graduates gain greater freedom to pursue further education, access career opportunities, start companies and invest in their futures.
During a panel moderated by Steve Harvey at Invest Fest 2023, Smith shared why developing education skills and experiences in his youth helped him succeed:
Learn more about how Smith supports education reform and career readiness with his philanthropy on YouTube and LinkedIn.