The Robertson Foundation

The Foundation empowers extraordinary organizations and individuals to seek transformational breakthroughs across three principal areas:

Education

Environment

Medical Research

At the Robertson Foundation, we believe human capital is our greatest lever for change. To support individuals and teams transforming how we power our economies, educate our children, feed our families, and advance life-saving discoveries, we aim to combine deep inquiry and intentional action. We seek to identify tipping points and focus on understanding the complexities, contexts, and root causes of the challenges. We learn from and support the intelligence and expertise of those most proximate to the issues. And we commit to backing our partners with ample support for the long term as they seek breakthroughs.

In education, we support transformational change in reading and writing in pre-K through grade 8 and the future of the teaching profession. In environment, we support visionary leaders and organizations that drive transformational change in global energy and food systems. And in medical research, we support those who investigate the causes of health and disease, transform discoveries into diagnostics and treatments, and promote equitable care. The Foundation aims to grant approximately $100 million annually and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

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Other giving

The philanthropic activities of Julian and his wife, Josie, extended far beyond the Robertson Foundation.

In addition to their personal giving, they established four additional charitable organizations during their lifetimes: First, in 1989, along with colleagues from Tiger Management, Julian created the Tiger Foundation, which aims to break the cycle of poverty in New York City. Then in 1996, along with the Robertson Foundation, he created the Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation, in Salisbury, North Carolina, in memory of his parents and their commitment to his home town community. In 2000, Julian established the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program (RSLP) to encourage collaboration between Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and to promote the development of young leaders on these campuses. Lastly, the Robertson Foundation also helps administer the Aotearoa Foundation, created by the couple in 2004 to create positive change and strengthen community assets in Hawkes Bay and Northland, New Zealand.

Art lending

During their lifetimes, Julian and Josie Robertson acquired a remarkable collection of late nineteenth and twentieth century art.

While some works were donated to organizations important to the couple—including the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Auckland Art Gallery—the Robertson Foundation inherited more than two dozen artworks from Julian’s estate. These works will be on view for free at multiple US venues through 2028. The collection is on view through August 30 at the Waterworks Visual Arts Center in Salisbury, North Carolina. For more information, visit this page or download the brochure. On September 19, the collection will open at its second venue, the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. More information is available on their website.

The Robertson Foundation is a private family foundation, established in 1996 by Tiger Management founder Julian H. Robertson, Jr., his wife, Josie, and their family.