Andrew Carnegie is often considered the architect of modern philanthropy. In 2001, the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy was established to mark the centennial of Carnegie's philanthropic philosophy and honor contemporary philanthropists who make significant contributions to the public good.
The medal recipients for 2009 are Michael R. Bloomberg, the Koç Family, Gordon and Betty Moore and Sanford and Joan Weill.
Andrew Carnegie's philanthropic career began in the 1870s. In "The Gospel of Wealth," which he published in 1889, he outlined his philosophy of giving, which asserted that the rich are "trustees" of their wealth and are under a moral obligation to reinvest it in society in ways that promote the welfare and happiness of the "common man." Andrew Carnegie believed that one who dies rich dies disgraced, because one did not have the imagination or the foresight to dispose of one's wealth for the good of society.
By the time of his death in 1919, Carnegie had been true to his convictions: he had disposed of his wealth wisely. He invested a minimum of $350 million dollars--nearly all of his fortune--to advance education, science, culture and international peace.
The Carnegie Medals will be conferred Thursday, October 15 at the Celeste Bartos Forum of the The New York Public Library. Bill Moyers, noted author, journalist, and host of "Bill Moyers Journal" will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
The awards ceremony will be the centerpiece of a day-long celebration including a roundtable discussion entitled "Foundations of Modern Philanthropy: Private Wealth to Public Good, 1889-2009," featuring David Nasaw, author of Andrew Carnegie; Patricia Stonesifer, Special Advisor to the Trustees, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Jean Strouse, Author of Morgan, American Financier; and Peter J. Johnson, Co-Author of The Rockefeller Century and Associate, Rockefeller Family & Associates.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress: Andrew Carnegie, 1835-1919, published 1912.
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