John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937)
Rockefeller transformed charity into “scientific philanthropy.” Instead of just giving alms to the poor, he created foundations designed to cure diseases, improve education, and solve systematic problems at their root.
Key Philanthropic Activities:
- Medical Research: Funded the research that led to the eradication of hookworm in the American South and the yellow fever vaccine.
- Higher Education: Founded the University of Chicago and gave massive support to Spelman College (a college for Black women).
- Rockefeller Foundation: Established one of the world’s largest foundations to “promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world.”
- Public Health: Helped establish the first schools of public health at Johns Hopkins and Harvard.
