Andrew Carnegie and the foundations of contemporary entrepreneurial philanthropy

This paper examines the relationship between the business and philanthropic endeavors of "world-making entrepreneurs," exploring why and how they extend their societal influence beyond business. It introduces an original model of entrepreneurial philanthropy, illustrating how philanthropic investments can generate positive returns in cultural, social, and symbolic capital, potentially leading to economic growth. The model is applied to Andrew Carnegie’s career, revealing a more complex and unified story than simply accumulating wealth and giving it away, showing how his philanthropy enhanced his standing, networks, and influence.