Robert E. and Dorothy J. King

Bob and Dottie King are the founders of King Philanthropies. In 2020, they became members of the Giving Pledge community. When they signed the pledge, Bob and Dottie explained their vision for King Philanthropies:

“We believe philanthropy is a privilege and a responsibility and, having been blessed with exceptional good fortune, we are on a constant search for how to be good stewards of these resources and apply them to achieve the most impact.”

Bob and Dottie’s philanthropic work reflects a longstanding family ethos of stewardship and service. For more than fifty years, Bob and Dottie hosted international students from Stanford University in their home. That experience brought joy to the King family dinner table—and it brought new perspectives on the world. Bob and Dottie have always taken seriously the Biblical injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Welcoming these young people into their home led them to expand their understanding of “neighbors” to include the millions of people worldwide who live in extreme poverty.

Bob began his career on Wall Street with Shearson, Hammill & Co. and later established his own investment management firm, R. Eliot King & Associates, in partnership with Dottie. He also served as an alumni investment manager for the Stanford Business School Trust. Today, he serves on multiple boards and continues to invest in innovative ventures both domestically and internationally. Throughout his career, Bob has based his investment approach on the “fundamental change forces”—political, social, economic, and technological—that shape the world. Bob received a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Dottie has devoted her life to opportunities to be in service to others. She has held volunteer roles at the Packard Children’s Hospital and the Bechtel International House (both at Stanford University), the Parent Teacher Association, and the Girls Scouts of America. For fifteen years, Dottie led church services at the San Mateo County Jail. In addition, she cofounded R. Eliot King & Associates with Bob. Dottie studied child development at the University of Wisconsin.

Bob and Dottie served as elders at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (now called Menlo Church), and they continue to draw inspiration from the faith and love that are a hallmark of their church community. Bob and Dottie live in Menlo Park, California, and Kennebunkport, Maine.