Jimmy Carter: Saying Goodbye to a Charitable President

Over the festive season, sadly we lost former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away aged 100.

Former American President Jimmy Carter has left behind a legacy of fighting for the little guy and commitment to charity work. He is remembered for working tirelessly for his own charity, as well as others such as Habitat for Humanity, and celebrating and supporting diversity within the United States.

When Did Jimmy Carter Die?

Ex-US President Jimmy Carter passed away on 29th December 2024, after entering hospice in February 2023. He died in his home in Plains, Georgia, and will have an official state funeral, followed by a day of mourning on January 9th 2025, as announced by the Biden administration.

Was Jimmy Carter a Good President?

Jimmy Carter only served one term as President, between January 20 1977 and January 20 1981 and, though his presidency was thought to have ended on a difficult note, it is his post-presidency legacy that is remembered with the most fondness.

During his lifetime and presidency, Carter vehemently opposed racial segregation, supporting instead the civil rights movement. He also made headlines for supporting women in power, particularly within the church, and for backing the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex.

During former President Carter’s time in office, the United States Foreign Service lifted its ban on gay and lesbian personnel, and his administration became the first to invite LGBTQ activists to the White House to discuss ending employment discrimination.

President Jimmy Carter and His Charity Work

After leaving office, he set up the Carter Center, a not-for-profit organisation, alongside his wife Rosalynn. The aim of the charity is to advance human rights and alleviate suffering, and it operates in 80 different countries, where it has enacted projects to eradicate diseases and mediate conflict.

Through the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts "to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development".

Additionally, former President Carter was credited with putting the not-for-profit organisation Habitat for Humanity on the map. Now a household name, Habitat for Humanity is a great charity based in Georgia, US, which aims to build affordable housing. 

“We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International in a statement on their website. “President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world.”

Since his passing on the 29th of December, stories of Jimmy Carter’s kindness have gone viral, including this image of the former president, aged 95, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity despite having a nasty fall the evening before.

Former President Jimmy Carter wasn’t a perfect man or a perfect president - but upon reflection on his life, it is clear that wherever he could, he chose the option that would benefit humanity the most - and that is something we should all aspire to.

Charity Check-in 

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.

The Fore. This charity is transforming lives and society by turbo-charging exceptional small charities and social enterprises. Support them here.

The Brother’s Trust. This charity is run by Tom Holland’s family, aiming to shine a light on charities where generous donations can be used to maximum effect. Find out more.

The Henry Smith Charity. This is a grant-giving charity that aims to use its resources to help people and communities in the UK. Learn more here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG No Poverty, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnership for the Goals