20th Century Philanthropy
Azarcon, Bretana, & Mallare
Table of contents
Philanthropy and social movements
Corporate Philanthropy
Jamseti Tata
Andrew Carnegie
John D. Rockefeller Sr.
Henry Ford
Alfred Nobel
J. Paul Getty
Dorris Duke
Philanthropy and Social Movements
Mid-20th Century: Rise of philanthropy in funding social change.
Civil Rights Movement: Contributions from foundations (e.g., Ford Foundation funding legal challenges
to segregation).
Women’s Rights & Environmentalism: Support from philanthropists to drive legislative and societal
change.
Humanitarian Aid: Rise of global organizations like Amnesty International, funded through
philanthropic efforts.
Ozone Layer Movement: Funding from environmental philanthropists and organizations such as the
MacArthur Foundation supported research and advocacy efforts leading to the Montreal Protocol (1987).
Anti-Apartheid Movement: International philanthropic support, including grants from the Rockefeller
and Ford Foundations, helped sustain activists and organizations opposing South African apartheid.
Corporate Philanthropy
A type of philanthropy which involves the activities voluntarily initiated by companies to
manage their impact on society. It has become increasingly popular due to consumers
expecting certain levels of accountability and transparency from corporate entities
Jamsetji Tata (1839-1904)
who founded the country’s biggest conglomerate, Tata Group. Although no longer alive today,
Tata certainly left a lasting legacy, giving away $102.4 billion throughout his life, mainly to
causes relating to education and healthcare.
Mention tata steel
History:
Founder of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates.
Pioneered the steel, textile, and hydroelectric industries in India.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Established India’s first modern research university, the Indian Institute of Science
(IISc).
Advocated for education, science, and healthcare development in India.
Set up charitable trusts that continue to fund education, healthcare, and rural
development.
Impact:
Tata Trusts remains one of India’s largest philanthropic organizations, supporting
social welfare, healthcare, and education.
Inspired corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Indian businesses.
Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919)
Though he made his fortune in the 19th century, much of his philanthropy extended into the 20th.
Established thousands of libraries worldwide, funded education (Carnegie Mellon University), and
supported scientific research.
His "Gospel of Wealth" philosophy emphasized giving back to society.
History:
Scottish-American industrialist who led the expansion of the steel industry in the U.S.
Amassed great wealth through Carnegie Steel Company before selling it to J.P. Morgan.
Significance in Philanthropy:
"Gospel of Wealth", stating that the rich have a moral obligation to distribute wealth for
the public good.
Built over 2,500 public libraries worldwide.
Established Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Endowment for International
Peace.
Impact:
Transformed public access to education and knowledge through libraries.
His legacy continues through institutions like Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Foundation, and
Carnegie Corporation of New York.
John D. Rockefeller Sr.
(1839–1937)
Created the Rockefeller Foundation (1913), which supported public health, medical research, and education.
Played a crucial role in eradicating diseases like hookworm and yellow fever.
Fun fact: Oyster Rockefeller is named after him due to the dish’s richness—a nod to the world’s (then) richest man
History:
Founder of Standard Oil, which dominated the oil industry in the late 19th century.
Became the world’s first billionaire.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Created the Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller
University), and University of Chicago.
Funded medical research, public health, and education worldwide.
Established modern philanthropy through strategic giving.
Impact:
Helped eradicate hookworm disease in the U.S. and funded early vaccine development.
His foundation influenced the structure of modern philanthropy and public health initiatives globally.
Henry Ford (1863–1947)
Established the Ford Foundation (1936), one of the largest private foundations for social
welfare, scientific research, and education.
Supported healthcare and workforce development.
History:
Founder of Ford Motor Company, revolutionized manufacturing with the
assembly line.
Made automobiles accessible to the middle class.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Established the Ford Foundation (1936) to support global humanitarian efforts.
Supported education, economic development, and social justice initiatives.
Advocated for higher wages and better working conditions.
Impact:
The Ford Foundation remains one of the largest private foundations today,
funding human rights, economic development, and sustainability.
His philanthropy influenced corporate social responsibility and workers' rights.
Alfred Nobel (1833–1896)
Established the Nobel Prizes, which reward excellence in science, literature, and peace
efforts.
His foundation continued to fund Nobel Prize winners throughout the 20th century.
History:
Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor of dynamite.
Accumulated great wealth from explosive manufacturing.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Left his entire fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes, recognizing excellence in
science, literature, and peace.
Impact:
The Nobel Prizes continue to be the highest honors in fields like physics,
medicine, and peace.
His legacy encourages innovation, research, and humanitarian efforts
worldwide.
J. Paul Getty (1892–1976)
Oil tycoon who created the J. Paul Getty Trust, which funds the Getty Museum
and art conservation efforts.
History:
American oil tycoon and founder of Getty Oil.
Once considered the richest man in the world.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Established the J. Paul Getty Trust, which funds the Getty Museum,
Getty Research Institute, and Getty Conservation Institute.
Focused on art preservation and cultural heritage.
Impact:
The Getty Museum is one of the most prestigious art institutions globally.
His philanthropy protects and conserves historical artifacts and promotes
arts education.
Doris Duke (1912–1993)
Heiress and philanthropist known for supporting the arts, environmental
conservation, and medical research.
Established the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
History:
American heiress of the Duke tobacco and energy fortune.
Lived a private but philanthropic life.
Significance in Philanthropy:
Founded the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, supporting the arts,
environmental conservation, medical research, and child welfare.
Focused on cultural preservation and social justice initiatives.
Impact:
Her foundation continues to fund performing arts, environmental
programs, and medical research.
Left a legacy of preserving indigenous cultures and historical sites.
Thank You