Introduction
The Andrew Carnegie Foundation, formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York, is an American philanthropic foundation supporting education, democracy and peace. Established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911, it funds organisations and research intended to expand opportunity, strengthen civic participation and advance international understanding.
The foundation adopted its current name on 9 June 2026, its 115th anniversary. The change clarified its philanthropic identity and international scope while retaining its longstanding mission.
History and Background
Andrew Carnegie’s Philanthropic Legacy
Andrew Carnegie established Carnegie Corporation of New York to continue distributing his wealth for public benefit. His gifts ultimately endowed the foundation with US$135 million. Its founding mission was to advance and spread knowledge and understanding.
Carnegie allowed trustees to adapt their decisions to changing circumstances. This flexibility helped the foundation develop programmes responding to new educational, democratic and international challenges.
A Century of Grantmaking
Historical activities include support for educational television, international research and nuclear risk reduction. The foundation’s archives have been housed at Columbia University’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library since 1990 and are available to researchers.
Mission and Purpose
The foundation’s current overarching goal is to reduce political polarisation through grants supporting opportunity and a more peaceful world. Its funding aims to give people knowledge and tools to improve their lives, participate in society and contribute to peace.
Its National Program, described as Ladders of Opportunity, addresses upward mobility, civic participation and trust in public institutions. Its International Program, A More Peaceful World, supports conflict prevention and understanding of global security challenges.
For prospective partners, alignment with these defined priorities is central to understanding the foundation’s grantmaking.
Governance and Structure
Trustees and Executive Leadership
The foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees. Its current trustee page lists Janet L. Robinson as chair, Kurt L. Schmoke as vice chair and Dame Louise Richardson as president. Trustees bring experience from education, public service, journalism, finance and international affairs.
Grantmaking Responsibilities
Programme staff identify organisations capable of advancing the foundation’s objectives and work with them on project planning. Published quarterly announcements document board approval of grant portfolios, providing a public record of funding decisions.
Funding and Grants
Endowment-Based Philanthropy
The foundation reported an endowment of US$4.9 billion as of March 2026 and a US$221 million grantmaking budget for fiscal year 2026.
Its spending policy is designed to moderate the effects of short-term market fluctuations and maintain predictable, sustainable grantmaking. This supports its intended role as a permanent philanthropic institution.
Accessing Funding
The general grantmaking policy states that the foundation does not accept unsolicited funding proposals. Programme officers usually identify and contact potential grantees, followed by collaborative planning.
Specific published opportunities may have separate procedures. For example, the foundation posted an International Program call for proposals on peacebuilding and mediation in October 2026. Applicants should follow the conditions of the relevant announcement.
Major Programs and Initiatives
National and International Programmes
The foundation’s two main programmes connect education and civic opportunity with international peace and security. Its grant portfolio includes support for college access, civic education, policy research and conflict-related initiatives.
Andrew Carnegie Fellows
The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program funds humanities and social science research, with particular attention to political polarisation. Fellows receive grants of up to US$200,000. The 2026 cohort comprised 24 scholars.
The programme requires nomination by designated institutional leaders; individuals cannot self-nominate. Beginning with the 2027 cohort, its focus expands to lessons the United States can learn from polarisation in other countries.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Scale of Grantmaking
During the ten years ending 30 September 2025, the foundation awarded 3,761 grants totalling approximately US$1.59 billion. These figures establish the scale of its funding activity, rather than a single measure of social outcomes.
Recent Funding Examples
Grants approved in March 2026 included US$900,000 over 24 months to the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research for doctoral and postdoctoral public policy fellowships, and US$1.5 million over 24 months to the Posse Foundation to expand access to higher education.
The same portfolio included US$2 million over 12 months to the International Rescue Committee for humanitarian assistance in Sudan, illustrating support for urgent needs alongside longer-term institutional work.
Historical Contributions
The foundation supported the research behind Sesame Street and the Carnegie Commission on Educational Television, whose report helped lay the groundwork for public broadcasting. These examples demonstrate how philanthropic funding can contribute to institutions and resources with enduring public reach.
Conclusion
The Andrew Carnegie Foundation combines a substantial endowment with focused grantmaking in education, democracy and peace. Its current programmes continue the legacy of Carnegie Corporation of New York while addressing contemporary challenges involving opportunity, social cohesion and international security.
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