Jackie Robinson Foundation and Museum Receives Transformational 20 Million Dollar Gift from Thomas Tull and Mark Walter

Landmark donation will support the Foundation’s educational mission and provide critical funding for Museum operations

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) today announced a transformational $20 million donation from Thomas Tull, Co-Chairman of TWG Global and Mark Walter, CEO and Co-Chairman of TWG Global and principal owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to provide funding for both the Foundation’s scholarship program and its recently established Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City. The donation, which will be deployed over two years, is among the most significant in the Foundation’s history.

“This extraordinary gift provides vital financial support to sustain and grow our educational initiatives through JRF’s celebrated college scholarship program and multigenerational Museum programming,” said Della Britton, President and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. “We are immensely grateful for the deep commitment Mark Walter and Thomas Tull have each made to upholding the Robinson legacy. For over a decade, their vision, engagement, and overwhelming generosity have reflected their resolve to ensure this legacy has a meaningful, lasting impact, and this donation takes that commitment to indelible heights.”

Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, JRF provides college scholarships, career guidance, and practical life skills to high-achieving students with financial need. In 2022, the Foundation opened the Jackie Robinson Museum, which houses more than 4,000 artifacts, 40,000 media and digital elements, and 137 feet of original documents. This gift ensures that the organization – and Jackie Robinson’s enduring legacy – will continue to inspire and empower future generations.

“Our relationship with Thomas began more than a decade ago, when his film “42” brought Jackie’s story to a new generation of fans and helped keep this legacy alive. His great regard for Jackie’s heroism and tremendous support of JRF have been deeply appreciated by Rachel Robinson and all of us at JRF. Without him, the Museum and Foundation would not be what it is today.”

“Mark Walter has become a trusted champion of the Foundation since he first engaged with us as he led the purchase of the Dodgers in 2012, immediately making it a priority to very generously support both the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Museum. His role in preserving Jackie’s legacy is historic,” added Britton.

Both Walter and Tull believe in the importance of Jackie Robinson’s legacy of courage, inclusion, and breaking barriers, and they believe that sports can drive lasting social change. This donation is an investment in that future.

“Team ownership is about more than competition; it’s about developing meaningful, sustained community,” said Mark Walter. “The work of the Foundation and Museum is deeply personal for me, as they ensure that Jackie’s impact as a Dodger, a trailblazer, and an American hero continues to inspire, educate, and engage new generations.”

“Bringing Jackie’s story to life was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, giving me a profound appreciation for his strength, humility, and the enormous barriers he broke through – not just for baseball but for our country,” said Thomas Tull. “Jackie Robinson changed lives, and the JRF continues his values and legacy to inspire, educate, and advance future generations.”

About the Jackie Robinson Foundation & Museum

The Jackie Robinson Foundation, established by Rachel Robinson in 1973, provides college scholarships and leadership development programs for high-achieving students with financial need, preserving the legacy of Jackie Robinson through education, skill-building and mentorship. The Jackie Robinson Museum, which opened in 2022 in New York City, brings Robinson’s extraordinary journey to life—celebrating his pioneering role in baseball and civil rights and his continued influence on culture and creating equal opportunity. For more information, visit www.jackierobinson.org and www.jackierobinsonmuseum.org.