John D. Rockefeller

The Rockefeller Foundation was established in 1913 with the goal of promoting the well-being of humanity by addressing pressing health, education, and social issues. Here's a detailed timeline leading to its creation:

Timeline: The Creation of the Rockefeller Foundation

  • 1901: John D. Rockefeller Sr. (founder of Standard Oil) begins to consider ways to use his wealth to improve society. He is influenced by a growing awareness of public health issues, education, and scientific advancements.

  • 1902: Rockefeller's philanthropic activities officially begin with the founding of the General Education Board (GEB), which focused on improving education in the United States. The GEB later laid the foundation for the Rockefeller Foundation's work.

  • 1909: A group of advisers and experts, including Frederick T. Gates (a close associate of Rockefeller), starts discussing the idea of creating an institution that could fund international scientific and public health initiatives, which would be one of the core activities of the future foundation.

  • 1910: Rockefeller's medical philanthropies begin to take shape with the establishment of the International Health Board, which was dedicated to controlling diseases like hookworm, malaria, and yellow fever.

  • 1912: Rockefeller creates the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission, focused on eliminating hookworm disease in the South. This project became a major success and was a key catalyst for the foundation's broader health-focused mission.

  • 1913 (May 14): The Rockefeller Foundation is officially founded. The foundation was formally incorporated in the state of New York with an initial gift of $100 million from John D. Rockefeller.

    • The foundation was structured with the goal of advancing the well-being of humanity by funding global health initiatives, education, scientific research, and arts.

    • Frederick T. Gates became the foundation's first secretary, while John D. Rockefeller served as its first president (although he did not manage day-to-day operations).

Early Focus Areas:

  • Global Health: The foundation immediately began funding international health initiatives, particularly in the prevention of infectious diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and hookworm.

  • Education: The foundation continued Rockefeller's earlier work in the United States, focusing on public education and expanding access to higher education.

  • Science and Research: The foundation was instrumental in advancing research in various scientific fields, including agriculture, medicine, and social sciences.

Key Milestones After Creation:

  • 1914: The Rockefeller Foundation supported the creation of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, which would later become The Rockefeller University.

  • 1916-1917: The foundation's international health programs expanded into Europe, focusing on tuberculosis and providing funds for war-related health programs.

The Rockefeller Foundation's Legacy:

The foundation has continued to evolve, with an expanded mission that spans public health, education, the environment, and more. It is one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the world.