National Philanthropy Day Timeline

​2012

Canada made it official​

Canada permanently recognized National Philanthropy Day.

2000

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began

Considered the largest foundation in the U.S., the Gates Foundation was launched.

​1986

National Philanthropy Day started in the U.S. ​

​​President Reagan declared November 15 as the first official National Day of Philanthropy.

​1835

Andrew Carnegie born

Carnegie became a leading philanthropist both here and abroad. The Scottish-born American industrialist, who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century, was one of the world's wealthiest men.