The American Heritage Dictionary defines philanthropy as (1) the effort/inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations; (2) love of humankind in general; (3) something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare. Faces of Philanthropy examines this definition by looking at specific individuals who practice philanthropic activities.

The United States has a long history of individuals giving to meet various social needs. For example, Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of America, founded the University of Pennsylvania. More recently, Lance Armstrong campaigned for the cause of cancer. His organization, Live Strong, raises funds for cancer related organizations and draws attention to medical content and concerns about cancer.

No singular profile marks a philanthropist. Many individuals who appear on Faces of Philanthropy have inherited their fortunes and have been raised to give to programs to better society. Others are self-made and wish to use their fortune to improve the world. Andrew Carnegie, in his essay, “The Gospel of Wealth,” bases his thesis on the idea that philanthropy is a responsibility of the self-made wealthy. Carnegie believed that redistributing wealth in such a manner so that the money would be well used, and not wasted on frivolity. Carnegie has been quoted as saying: “I would as soon leave my son a curse as the almighty dollar.”

The individuals profiled on Faces of Philanthropy have spent much of their lives and many of their dollars to contribute to society in positive ways. Most of their philanthropic acts fall under the primary and tertiary definitions of philanthropy.