The Rockefeller Family Profile

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. founded the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913. He has expressed this philanthropic viewpoint: "The best philanthropy is constantly in search of the finalities - a search for a cause, an attempt to cure evils at their source." This has led to achievements such as the professionalization of public health, the development of a yellow fever vaccine, the "Green Revolution" in Latin American, Asian, and Indian agriculture, and the creation of public-private partnerships to develop promising new vaccines.

Rockefeller was profoundly influenced by an essay written by Andrew Carnegie, "The Gospel of Wealth." However, his philanthropic leanings began before "The Gospel of Wealth." As a teenager, money he earned in his first job went to his Sunday School and other activities of his Baptist church. By 1860, Rockefeller regularly contributed to churches, Sunday Schools, and an orphanage. In 1889, Rockefeller read "The Gospel of Wealth" and wrote to Carnegie: "I would that more men of wealth were doing as you are doing with your money but, be assured, your example will bear fruits and the time will come when men of wealth will more generally be willing to use it for the good of others." From this period on, Rockefeller began making gifts such as those needed to found the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University), and the General Education Board to promote education in the US "without distinction of sex, race, or creed." Since the inception of the Rockefeller Foundation, it has given more than $14 billion in current dollars to thousands of grantees worldwide.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. made the Rockefeller name synonymous with philanthropy and social causes when the public lacked sympathy for the name. His parents instilled a sense of strict discipline and frugality and raised him asking the question "is it right, is it duty?" He eventually went to Brown University, where he learned about new theories of applying scientific knowledge to the solution of economic and social problems. The prevailing spirit of reform on campus also influenced Rockefeller. He raised his children with discipline as well, allowing them to spend only a third of their money earned by performing chores, with the other two thirds designated for savings and donations. When Rockefeller Jr. turned 36, he cut ties with the Standard Oil trust and devoted himself to philanthropy. His accomplishments in philanthropy include collaborating with his father in the creation of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (later changed its name to Rockefeller University), establishment of the General Board of Education, Restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, construction of the Rockefeller Center, and many other projects.