The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood

A historic $100 million investment in New York City's youngest: the anchor gift to Robin Hood’s $1 billion Campaign for the Future, with a $25 million match opportunity

“Imagine what it could look like if we recognized and acted upon the potential of all children.”

Jackie Bezos, champion of young people and former Robin Hood board member

Unlocking Opportunity for Every Child in NYC

Jackie Bezos believed that early childhood education is one of the most powerful pathways out of poverty — and put that profound belief into action.

Honoring Jackie’s legacy, the Bezos family has made a transformative $100 million investment to establish The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood at Robin Hood, along with a $25 million matching gift challenge. The result will be $150 million to protect core programs and ensure long-term, stable support for children and families across New York City.

Jackie served on Robin Hood’s Board of Directors for 10 years, including as chair of the Early Childhood Committee, where she helped shape Robin Hood’s early childhood strategy. During her tenure, Robin Hood’s early childhood grantmaking grew by 75%, from $13 million to $22.8 million annually. Her vision and seed funding helped launch the Fund for Early Learning (FUEL), Robin Hood’s signature 10-year initiative, which has directed $53.8 million toward early childhood grants and catalyzed more than $63 million in additional government and private funding.

This endowment honors Jackie’s memory, values, and lasting impact on New York City children.

“My mother saw the innate potential in every child and never stopped working to ensure that potential was met. This gift honors her legacy and makes permanent the work she helped build at Robin Hood."

Mark Bezos, Jackie’s son, and a Robin Hood board member

$100M

Gift from the Bezos family establishing the Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood

$25M

Matching gift challenge from the Bezos family that doubles and drives collective impact

$150M

Potential impact on children and families across NYC

Double Your Impact

Right now, the Bezos family will match qualifying gifts to The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood. This is a rare chance to leave your legacy on future generations of New Yorkers. Email endowment@robinhood.org to learn more.

“Together, we can change the trajectory of an entire generation. We are not just building brains — we are building the future. Each of us has a role to play, and it will take all of us to really make a difference.”

Jackie Bezos

Grantmaking

Support for NYC Families

The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood at Robin Hood will sustain and expand interventions that support young children and families across New York City — protecting these programs from economic uncertainty. Learn more about Robin Hood’s early childhood grantmaking.

Invest in NYC's future

The Bezos family will match qualifying gifts to The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood. If you are interested in making a gift, email endowment@robinhood.org.