This is a photograph of Andrew Carnegie, one of the people who was instrumental in the spread of libraries across the United States, not to mention Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and more. He started funding libraries in the 1880s and continued until his death in 1919. Carnegie donated over $350 million during his lifetime, and another $30 million was given to various foundations, causes, and pensioners on his death. He is certainly one of the top historical philanthropists in the United States.
One of the ways he made a difference – that you can emulate – was to have a list of causes in his will, to make sure his fortune was distributed to the educational causes that he so treasured. It’s common for people to do this today – to specify a list of non-profits or other causes that they support to receive a bequest upon their passing. If this is something that interests you, please contact your estate planning attorney to learn how you can add the Santa Clara City Library Foundation & Friends, as well as other non-profits you care about, to your will or trust.