The Rockefeller Fortune in 2025: What Happened to Their $900 Million from 1913?

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In 1913, John D. Rockefeller’s wealth peaked at an estimated $900 million, which translates to approximately $29.3 billion in today's dollars. Fast forward to 2024, the Rockefeller family fortune stands at around $10.3 billion. So, what became of this immense wealth over the decades?

Key Insights

• John D. Rockefeller’s net worth in 1913 was about $900 million, equivalent to $29.3 billion today.
• By 2024, the family's net worth is estimated at $10.3 billion.
• The Rockefeller wealth was preserved and passed down through irrevocable trusts created by John D. Rockefeller Jr.
• A strong tradition of philanthropy has been maintained across generations, honoring Rockefeller’s legacy.

Family Trusts and Wealth Preservation

In 1934, John D. Rockefeller Jr. established irrevocable trusts for his children, followed by similar trusts for his grandchildren in 1952. These trusts facilitated largely tax-free wealth transfer, ensuring the fortune's longevity.

Today, the Rockefeller fortune is shared among approximately 200 family members. Part of the wealth is managed by Rockefeller Capital Management, where John D. Rockefeller’s great-grandson, David Rockefeller Jr., has played a key leadership role as former chairperson and current board member.

Generations of Rockefellers have committed significant portions of their wealth to philanthropic causes, reinforcing the family’s enduring social impact.

A Legacy of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of the Rockefeller family’s identity. John D. Rockefeller notably helped establish the University of Chicago, donating $35 million between 1890 and 1910 to support its foundation.

Between 1901 and 1909, Rockefeller launched several initiatives in medicine, education, and public health, including founding the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research (now Rockefeller University). By the 1930s, his contributions to the Institute had reached $50 million.

In 1902, he created the General Education Board, promoting inclusive education across race, gender, and creed, donating $50 million in 1919 to improve academic salaries.

His 1909 establishment of the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission targeted hookworm disease eradication, impacting public health across 11 states.

In 1913, Rockefeller founded the Rockefeller Foundation with the mission "To promote the well-being of mankind throughout the world," initially contributing $35 million, followed by $65 million a year later. Today, the foundation drives global initiatives in energy, food security, health, and innovation.

Despite his vast philanthropy, Rockefeller’s estate was valued at over $26 million at his death in 1937, with significant wealth passed to heirs.

His last surviving grandson, David Rockefeller, upheld the family’s philanthropic tradition, joining the Giving Pledge to donate more than half of his wealth. His son, David Rockefeller Jr., continues to oversee family wealth and philanthropy, having chaired multiple Rockefeller foundations.

Conclusion: The Enduring Rockefeller Impact

The Rockefeller family’s foundations, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and David Rockefeller Fund, collectively manage over $5 billion in endowments.

David Rockefeller Jr. credits the family’s philanthropic success to shared values and a deep sense of responsibility, emphasizing, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

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