About Robert F. Smith

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista), a leading global investment firm that invests in enterprise software companies through private equity and credit strategies. The values that guide his professional and philanthropic work were shaped early in life. Smith grew up in Colorado, where his family has lived for four generations. His time outdoors with them instilled an appreciation for connection, a sense of purpose and a lasting respect for the restorative power of nature.

Smith’s Commitment to Environmental Preservation and Outdoors Education

Smith supports initiatives that preserve the outdoors and provide educational opportunities for people to connect with nature. Many Anglers of Honor events take place in the Lincoln Hills watershed, a historic resort community and a place where Black Americans could experience and interact with nature for decades during segregation. As a co-founder of Lincoln Hills Cares
Foundation, Smith has helped revitalize the area and preserve its cultural legacy. Lincoln Hills Cares also provides engaging leadership and career programs to help young individuals become future leaders.

One of the four tenets of Fund II Foundation, of which Smith serves as founding director and President, is the preservation, education and accessibility of the outdoors. One of its programs, Restoration Retreat, provides youth with opportunities to learn, grow and explore the outdoors.

Smith also has supported the Trail Foundation in Austin, TX, in its drive to preserve the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake with a $1.25 million donation. Additionally, Smith and Fund II Foundation have worked with the National Park Foundation to preserve historical sites. Some of these sites include the homes where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and raised his own family. He also helped Morehouse College create an outdoor learning space, funding land for a campus park where students can study and appreciate nature.

Smith’s Other Philanthropic Efforts

Smith’s philanthropic efforts reflect a range of interests and passions. Smith has made donations to his alma maters, Cornell University and Columbia University. He has also contributed $50 million to Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Smith is also a supporter of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, helping to develop the Smith Polygenic Risk Test for Prostate Cancer and supporting further research to help close disparities in accessing high-quality healthcare.

In 2017, Smith became the first Black American to sign the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes during his lifetime. Smith also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Hall. Find out more about Anglers of Honor events and resources available for individuals and families at all levels of cognitive and physical ability.

Learn more about Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy through his social platforms:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube