1973
JRF is Founded
New York, NY
Rachel Robinson, with the assistance of Martin Edelman, Charles Williams & Franklin Williams, honors her husband's memory by establishing the Jackie Robinson Foundation following his death in October 1972.
1975
Afternoon of Jazz
Stamford, CT
JRF becomes the sole beneficiary of "An Afternoon of Jazz" concert. The concert began in 1963 as a way to raise bail money for jailed civil-rights activists.
1978
First Graduate
Chestnut Hill, MA
The first JRF Scholar, Debora Young, graduates from Boston College. Rachel Robinson is on hand to present Debora her degree.
1979
ROBIE Awards
New York, NY
JRF hosts its first independent Awards Dinner. ROBIE Awards, the Foundation's highest tribute to an extraordinary individual who has devoted a lifetime to the promotion of social justice and human dignity, are presented to Arthur Ashe and Ralph Ward.
1983
Networking Weekend
Stamford, CT
The first Scholars' Networking Weekend (now Mentoring and Leadership Conference) is held at the Robinson home in Connecticut.
1987
Alumni Association
New York, NY
The JRF Alumni Association is established. They begin serving as peer mentors and are appointed to regional Selection Committees.
1988
Betty Phillips Adams
New York, NY
Betty Phillips Adams is named JRF's second President and CEO.
1988
Founders Award
New York, NY
The Founders Award is created to pay tribute to those who gave the Foundation its life. The late JRF vice chair Franklin W. Williams receives the first award for his ongoing leadership, support and loyalty.
1989
Ralph E. Ward Achievement Award
New York, NY
JRF establishes the Ralph E. Ward Achievement Award in honor of Ward's generosity and personal commitment to JR scholars. The award provides a $5,000 cash grant to the graduating Scholar with the highest grade point average. Gregg Gonsalves is the first recipient.
1991
Alumni join Scholarship Committees
United States
The formal assignment of JR alumni to scholarship selection committees was initiated and the board of directors designates that two seats be held for alumni. John Skipper and Elaine Weddington become the first alumni to hold these positions, thereby integrating alumni into the structure of JRF.
1994
Jackie Robinson Golf Classic
Pacific Palisades, CA
1995
Spike Lee Youth Motivation Award
New York, NY
The Spike Lee Youth Motivation Award is given to the scholar demonstrating the most outstanding community service involvement each year.
1996
Leonard Coleman
New York, NY
Rachel Robinson steps down as Chairman of JRF's Board of Directors. Leonard S. Coleman, Jr., President of the National League of Major League Baseball, is elected the new Chairman
1997
42 Retired
New York, NY
The nation, led by President Bill Clinton, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic entry into baseball. Major League Baseball honors him during a nationally televised ceremony at Shea Stadium by retring his number "42" in perpetuity. JRF launches a $12 million endowment campaign with a $1 million gift from Major League Baseball.
1998
Steven Brown
New York, NY
August 1998
Steven Brown is named the Foundation's third President and CEO.
2001
Starr Support
New York, NY
September 2001
The Starr Foundation awards the Foundation the first of two grants totalling $1.7 million. It was the largest single gift received by JRF at that time and allowed the Foundation to substantially increase the numbers of Scholars served.
2003
$10 million Milestone
New York, NY
March 2003
JRF reaches significant milestone: The 100th JRF/Unilever Scholar is selected & JRF passes $10 million in scholarship aid.
2004
Della Britton
New York, NY
January 2004
Della Britton Baeza is named the fourth President and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. She initiates a strategic plan for the future of JRF to expand its donor base, program offerings, the number of Scholars served, and technological capability.
2006
Legacy Campaign
New York, NY
May 2006
JRF launches the $42 million Legacy Campaign. The funds that are raised will be used to: build new administrative offices for the Foundation, build the Jackie Robinson Museum and strengthen the Foundation's endowment.
2007
New Headquarters
New York, NY
August 27, 2007
JRF opens it's new state of the art offices in the SoHo district of New York City.
2008
Rachel Robinson International Fellows
New York, NY
Spring 2008
The first class of JRF Scholars to receive a Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF), a global initiative to give Scholars the opportunity to travel abroad for community service, travels to Ghana and Mozambique.
2011
Chairman's Award
New York, NY
January 2011
JRF bestows the inaugural Chairman's Award. The award recognizes outstanding leaders in the sports industry.
2013
"42" Premieres
New York, NY
April 1, 2013
The major motion picture "42" premieres. Rachel Robinson and JRF provided counsel during the filming of the movie.
2014
New Chair
New York, NY
October 17, 2014
Gregg A. Gonsalves (JRF '89), is elected Chairman of JRF's Board of Directors.
2016
“Jackie Robinson” Premieres
New York, NY
April 11-12, 2016
Ken Burn’s four-hour film “Jackie Robinson” premieres on PBS. JRF hosts an advance screening followed by a talkback with Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
2017
Jackie Robinson Museum
New York, NY
The Jackie Robinson Foundation breaks ground on the Jackie Robinson Museum.
2017
Strada funding
New York, NY
Strada Education Network Announces $6.5 Million Gift to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to Support Expansion of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program and The Jackie Robinson Museum