2005 Andrew Carnegie Medals of Philanthropy

On October 4, 2005 six international philanthropists received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in the Debating Chamber of Scotland's Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh. This is a fitting moment in history for the United Kingdom-based Carnegie Trusts to host the presentation in Scotland, where Andrew Carnegie was born. The Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust and The Carnegie Hero Fund Trust are all preparing to relocate to Pittencrieff Park, the "paradise of childhood" Carnegie purchased for the town of Dunfermline, his birthplace, in 1903.

The Carnegie foundations in Britain and Ireland view co-location on a single site as an important part of their strategy to confront the philanthropic challenges of the 21st century. Coming together offers greater opportunities for synergy among the foundations, maximizing funding benefits for the people of Scotland, Great Britain and Ireland. "This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the co-location decision with colleagues from around the world, highlighting the important place that Dunfermline and Carnegie have in the world of modern philanthropy," explained Carnegie's great-grandson, William Thomson CBE.

"The Andrew Carnegie Medals of Philanthropy are presented every two years to honor leaders who understand how modern philanthropy plays a critical role in building and sustaining our democratic institutions," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. In 1901, when Andrew Carnegie sold his steel empire, he made $480 million (worth more than $10 billion today) and began his career in philanthropy. The Andrew Carnegie Medals of Philanthropy were established in 2001 to mark the centennial of Carnegie's philanthropic beginnings. At this millennial turning point, the 22 institutions Carnegie created also came together to rededicate themselves to the individual missions Andrew Carnegie charged them with and to renew their shared vision of his goal "to do real and permanent good in this world."

Recognized worldwide for their vision, commitment and generosity, this year's honorees are: His Highness, the Aga Khan; Anna Southall, Chair of the Barrow Cadbury Trust, on behalf of the Cadbury family; Eleanor Hewlett Gimon, on behalf of the Hewlett family; Susan Packard Orr on behalf of the Packard family; Sir Tom Farmer, founder of Kwik-Fit; and Agnes Gund, president emeritus of the New York Museum of Modern Art.