Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen will receive a 2015 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. The Carnegie Medal goes to those who use their private wealth to improve the greater public good.
Allen is one of eight Carnegie Medal recipients and was selected for his work to protect the oceans, fight Ebola, save endangered species, help expand educational opportunities for girls, research the human brain and support the arts, according to the Carnegie statement.
“As a signer of The Giving Pledge, he has committed to giving away the majority of his fortune,” the Carnegie release continues. “And has already donated more than $2 billion to worthy causes around the world.”
The medals go to “the most charitable and visionary philanthropists in America, the recipients embody the spirit of giving set forth by Andrew Carnegie, each having had significant and lasting impact on a particular field, nation, or the international community.” Carnegie himself started over 20 philanthropic organizations worldwide, according to the award’s site.
Allen is in good company. Other 2015 Carnegie Medal recipients include:
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Charles F. Feeney, founder of the Atlantic Philanthropies
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Jeremy and Hanne Grantham, environmental philanthropists
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The Haas Family, Pennsylvania philanthropists
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Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., Utah philanthropist and founder of the Huntsman Cancer Institute
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Irwin and Joan Jacobs, San Diego philanthropists
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Brothers Robert B. Menschel and Richard L. Menschel, New York philanthropists
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David M. Rubenstein, culture and education philanthropist
