Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation
Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation, formerly Sunshine Lady Humanitarian Grants Program, is a private, family foundation that continues Doris Buffett’s legacy of giving “until the last check bounces". Our grantmaking is done as a continuation of and tribute to Doris's history of giving.
Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation consists of five programs: Humanitarian Grants Program, YOWIE Patrol, AMBCOPS, Vermont Covered, and Learning by Giving.
Humanitarian Grants Program
Humanitarian Grants Program (HGP) works with nonprofit partners who continue the work Doris valued.
YOWIE Patrol
YOWIE. Yes! Outstanding Wireless Is Essential! Reliable wireless access isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. It underpins public safety, education, economic growth, healthcare, job opportunities, and rural equity. Yet, millions still struggle with inadequate service, and the current FCC Broadband Maps fail to reflect the true gaps in mobile connectivity.
That’s where YOWIE steps in. We are one of only two organizations in the nation working with the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology to gain approval for a groundbreaking app that will challenge inaccurate broadband coverage data and unlock critical funding for underserved areas. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide.
For more information: yowiepatrol.org
AMBCOPS
AMBCOPS, the Alliance for Mobile Broadband Communications for Public Safety, is a non-profit organization based in Vermont, one of the most rural states in the country. Founded to address the critical need for reliable mobile broadband connectivity in rural communities throughout the country, AMBCOPS is dedicated to enhancing public safety through improved communication infrastructure.
For more information: ambcops.org
Vermont Covered
Doris advocated for and funded initiatives related to: education, access to medical care, and closing the opportunity gap. The pandemic highlighted how rural communities have been left behind as the world moves to online education, remote work, and telemedicine. Vermont exemplifies how a rural population lacking high speed internet impacts opportunity and advancement.
All Vermonters should have the connection to participate fully and have the opportunities offered in our increasingly digital world. Vermont Covered works with communities throughout Vermont to advocate for and create access to broadband and wireless broadband.
For more information visit vtcovered.org.
Learning by Giving
Founded by Doris Buffett, Learning by Giving inspires and educates a new generation of philanthropists and community leaders to effectively distribute capital to local communities.
As of January 1, 2024, Learning by Giving Foundation merged under Doris Buffett Legacy Foundation to become the Learning by Giving program.
For more information visit: learningbygivingfoundation.org.