Securing the Future for New Yorkers in Need
Since 1988, Robin Hood has been New York City’s answer to poverty — investing $3 billion to help more New Yorkers build a permanent path to opportunity. We’ve been there in every crisis: 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, the pandemic, and now, when rising costs and thinning safety nets mean life-or-death for our neighbors.
We don’t know what the future holds, but we know New York City will always need Robin Hood.
That’s why we launched the Campaign for the Future: a promise to raise $1 billion for an endowment securing our work for generations to come.
An endowment gives us a permanent foundation to respond to crises on day one, sustain what works, and lead on the boldest solutions to poverty — not just this year, but always. No matter the financial headwinds, we can ensure that we will be there when New Yorkers need us.
The Campaign for the Future is anchored by a historic $100 million investment in New York City’s youngest: The Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood, which includes an additional $25 million match opportunity. Learn how you can double your impact.
Together, we can build on our progress from the last four decades — and ensure that New York City never has to go a day without Robin Hood.
INVEST IN NEW YORK CITY'S FUTURE
You can support our Campaign for the Future through a variety of gift types. Email endowment@robinhood.org to talk to our team about the approach that best fits your philanthropic and financial planning goals.
The Power of an Endowment
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A safeguard for NYC's safety net
Robin Hood has raised and invested $3 billion since 1988. An endowment ensures this work continues — through economic downturns, shifting priorities, and whatever New York City faces next.
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Stability through uncertainty
An endowment bolsters our annual fundraising model. While Robin Hood continues to invest in solutions in the immediate and near-term, an endowment provides a reliable funding base that lets us plan multi-year programs and make durable commitments to our grantee partners.
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Freedom to innovate
From launching charter schools to creating Blue Ridge Labs and building Single Stop — Robin Hood has always driven innovation. Endowment income makes it possible to incubate bold ideas without depending on annual donations alone.
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Perpetual impact
Endowed gifts compound over time. Every dollar invested today generates returns that fund the poverty fight in perpetuity — ensuring New York City has a strong, independent poverty-fighting institution for generations.
Double Your Impact
Robin Hood’s Campaign for the Future is anchored by the Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood. Right now, the Bezos family will match every qualifying donation — a rare opportunity to have your philanthropy go twice as far and support New York City’s youngest.
Endowment Giving: What You Need to Know
How is the endowment invested and managed?
Robin Hood’s Investment Committee, along with our investment advisors, the RockCreek Group, will oversee the endowment to ensure every dollar makes the biggest impact possible. Each year, the board will determine a spend rate based on the endowment’s size, investment returns, economic conditions, and program priorities — all within applicable legal guidelines.
What are my options for supporting Robin Hood’s endowment?
You can contribute through a variety of ways: (1) an outright cash gift, which will immediately impact endowment growth, allow Robin Hood to offset sustainability headwinds, and enable our donors to have a greater impact on the endowment during their lifetime; (2) give to the Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood, which will support Robin Hood’s early childhood work and be matched dollar-for-dollar through October 1, 2028 or until the $25M match is reached; (3) give a non-cash gift, such as securities, personal property, or real estate; or (4) make a legacy gift, such as bequest, that will be transferred to Robin Hood at the end of your life. For more information about any of these giving vehicles, contact us at endowment@robinhood.org.
Can I give to the broader Robin Hood endowment rather than the early childhood fund?
Yes. Robin Hood’s $1 billion endowment campaign welcomes gifts to support the full range of the organization’s poverty-fighting work — including employment, health, housing, early childhood, and K–12 and post-secondary education. Gifts designated to the Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood support only early childhood and its related issues, and only gifts designated to the Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood qualify for the matching challenge. To make an endowment gift of any kind, contact us at endowment@robinhood.org.
How do I make a planned or legacy gift?
Robin Hood accepts bequests of cash, securities, real estate, and tangible property, as well as life insurance policies, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and other planned gift vehicles. Contact Austin Wrubel, Director of Planned Giving, at wrubel@robinhood.org to discuss the strategy that works best for you.
Will Robin Hood continue its annual fundraising alongside the endowment?
Absolutely. Robin Hood will continue to fundraise on an annual basis with urgency and determination. The endowment is designed to complement — not replace — annual giving. Robin Hood invites supporters to consider a blended approach: annual gifts that address immediate needs alongside endowment contributions that secure the organization’s long-term future.
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR THE FUTURE
Learn how you can help New Yorkers for generations to come. Reach out to a member of our team today about contributing to our endowment.
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