Parents of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have reportedly donated $100 million to support early childhood education in New York. According to the Fortune report, the donation was made to Robin Hood, one of New York’s largest anti-poverty charities and a long-time favourite among Wall Street donors. The funding will help support expanded child care and education programmes, including New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push for free and universal early education for children starting at age two across the city.
Bezos family donation supports child care expansion
Robin Hood announced that the gift from Jackie and Miguel Bezos will establish the “Jackie Bezos Endowment for Early Childhood.” The charity said the donation will focus on funding education and early childhood development programmes.The contribution also includes an additional pledge of $25 million if matching funds are secured, bringing the potential total to $150 million.Notably, Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos’ mother, previously served on Robin Hood’s board. The donation aligns closely with one of Mamdani’s biggest campaign promises. Last month, the mayor announced that 2-K programming — free year-round care and education for children starting at age two — would become universally accessible in New York City.
Mamdani has publicly criticised billionaires
Despite the alignment on child care policy, Mamdani has repeatedly criticised extreme wealth and billionaires. He has previously said he does not believe billionaires should exist.Last month, the mayor publicly clashed with Citadel CEO Ken Griffin after releasing a video outside Griffin’s $238 million apartment to promote a proposed tax on second luxury homes.Mamdani also skipped this year’s Met Gala, saying he wanted to focus on making the city more affordable. Some celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Olivia Rodrigo, also skipped the event, reportedly linking their decision to sponsorship by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez-Bezos.
Robin Hood says partnerships are needed
City Hall spokesperson Jenna Lyle said delivering universal child care across New York would require support from both government and private organisations.“To deliver free, universal child care across all five boroughs, it is going to take a citywide effort,” she said. Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery Jr. also said philanthropy can help support the city’s child care goals alongside public funding.