Having amassed what was one of the greatest fortunes of his time, Carnegie, the legendary Scottish-American industrialist, decided to reinvest his fortune in society with the stated goal of doing “real and permanent good in this world.” His philosophy of giving was underpinned by the belief that with wealth comes responsibility. He believed that philanthropy’s main aim, as opposed to charity’s, was to address the causes of social ills rather than their manifestations. Carnegie sought to make individuals and society independent rather than dependent. As he so eloquently put it, “Wealth is not to feed our egos, but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves.”

The Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy honorees, past and present, personify the ideals of Carnegie’s vision, seeking through their giving to create a world of positive change. They exercise the same wisdom, foresight, and passion in their philanthropic activities as they have in their highly successful professional endeavors. They are catalysts for good who are inspirations to others. They are models for the next generation of philanthropists.

The Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy provides a unique platform for discussion regarding philanthropy’s structure, influence, and trends, both in the United States and abroad.