SOURCE OF WEALTH: NBA Player, Admiral Capital Group
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Religious
OVERVIEW: David Robinson and his wife Valerie move philanthropy through the David Robinson Foundation, though grantmaking has been sparse of late. The couple strongly support IDEA Carver, a charter school in partnership with IDEA Public Schools, in San Antonio, Texas.
BACKGROUND: David Robinson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in mathematics and became a civil engineering officer. Robinson spent 14 years in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs where he helped the Spurs to two NBA championships and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He went on to get a masters in administration from University of Incarnate Word and cofounded Admiral Capital Group, a real estate and private equity firm with over $1.4 billion of assets under management.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: In 2001, David and Valerie Robinson gave $9 million to establish what was then known as Carver Academy, a faith-based private school which served a socio-economically and culturally diverse student population. The school is named after the great black botanist and educator George Washington Carver and is now called IDEA Carver after Robinson partnered with IDEA in 2012 to establish IDEA Carver Academy and College Preparatory, a tuition-free open enrollment public charter school. The couple has contributed more than $11 million to the organization through the years. The Robinsons have also directed at least $500,000 to U.S. Naval Academy.
OTHER: In 2009, Robinson partnered with Living Cities to launch the Admiral Center which “aims to maximize the engagement of celebrities in systems change on behalf of low income people.” Robinson’s nickname in the NBA was “The Admiral.” Via their foundation, the couple has also supported religious organizations like San Antonio Christian Schools, Oak Hills Church, and Trembly Avenue Church of Christ. The couple also gave a six-figure gift to V Foundation for Cancer Research via their foundation, the Robinsons’ largest gift via their foundation in years.
LOOKING FORWARD: In his 50s, David Robinson should be watched for greater giving down the line. His work with business partner Daniel Bassichis through the Admiral Capital Group may also provide insight into some of the family’s private philanthropic interests.
CONTACT:
David Robinson Foundation
206 Winding Lane
San Antonio, TX 78248
