Executive Summary — Centered on the Legacy of Andrew Carnegie
The 1889 Club is a modern expression of Andrew Carnegie’s timeless philosophy: that true wealth is measured not by what one accumulates, but by what one contributes. Inspired by Carnegie’s 1889 Gospel of Wealth, the Club brings together visionary patrons who believe that luxury and purpose should coexist — and that influence is most meaningful when used to lift others.
Every curated experience — from private concerts and rare tastings to global journeys and invitation-only salons — is designed with Carnegie’s mandate in mind: to use one’s resources to create opportunity for others.
Through the 1889 Club, members transform moments of privilege into pathways for impact. Each event, each partnership, and each act of generosity directly fuels Thirt13n’s mission to end generational poverty by building education and career pipelines for youth across underserved communities.
The 1889 Club redefines modern philanthropy: Where luxury becomes a tool for good, leadership becomes legacy, and giving becomes an art form worthy of Carnegie’s name.
Philosophy
Membership in 1889 offers entrée to exclusive experiences and a seat at the table of those shaping tomorrow’s legacy. Your annual contribution determines your access level, experiences, and recognition. Every level contributes to real-world
outcomes: youth scholarships, family stabilization, and career development through Thirt13n.
Invitation-Only Memberships
1889 is an invitation-only private membership society, limited to a select number of individuals and corporations. Admission is extended by invitation to those whose excellence, philanthropic leadership, and level of charitable giving meet the standards set by the Board of Governors. Only 150 total memberships are available—100 reserved for individual members and 50 for corporate members.
Individual Membership
Individual Member Privileges Include:
- Access to ‘The Salon of Ideas’ private roundtables.
- Invitation to annual ‘Collector’s Circle’ gala and tastings.
- Private access to the 1889 Reserve Cellar and exclusive wine & bourbon releases.
- Personal concierge service for events and travel.
- Opportunity to host charitable salons in private residences.
Please submit completed applications to us via the form on our contact page.
Corporate Membership
Corporate memberships are designed for organizations seeking to align their brand with legacy, leadership, and purpose. These partnerships elevate corporate philanthropy into a lifestyle of impact and recognition across national and international audiences.
Corporate Member Privileges Include:
- Inclusion in the 1889 Corporate Impact Council.
- Access to the annual Philanthropy & Leadership Summit.
- Participation in The Legacy Network, connecting elite business leaders.
- Opportunities to host branded experiences and sponsor Thirt13n events.
Please submit completed applications to us via the form on our contact page.
The 1889 Digital Lounge
The 1889 Club’s digital portal is a private, members-only environment designed to bring the Club’s philosophy of luxury with purpose to life. It blends exclusivity, culture, and global access with transparent philanthropic impact — connecting every experience back to Thirt13n’s mission of breaking generational poverty through education and opportunity. What Members Access:
- Member Dashboard: Personalized access to global events and invitations, philanthropic activity tracking, reciprocal club updates, and a digital membership card with QR-enabled partner access.
- The Concierge Desk: Submit travel, dining, event, and club-access requests; receive curated itineraries for retreats and cultural events; unlock experiences that directly support youth programs through integrated giving.
- Digital Lounges: Private community rooms organized by industries and interests — including art, philanthropy, tech, investment, athletics, and more — plus leadership salons with global guest speakers.
- Philanthropy & Impact Dashboard: Real-time tracking of scholarships funded, mentorship hours completed, family support cases, workforce placements, and an annual “Impact Vintage Report” showing how each member’s engagement moves the mission forward.
- Global Events Calendar: A unified view of all 1889 signature events and reciprocal club experiences — tastings, salons, performances, retreats — with RSVP, waitlist, and VIP upgrade options.
- Corporate CSR Portal: Custom dashboards for corporate members, including employee volunteer metrics, brand exposure reporting, and co-branded event support.
The Inner Circle of 1889
1889 maintains a discreet invitation list for those whose values and influence align with the Club’s mission. On this list, members can expect:
- Invitation-only inner circle moments with peers who share a commitment to legacy.
- Secret events, private tastings, and exclusive travel experiences that are not publicly promoted.
- VIP concerts, chef dinners, and luxury retreats curated around culture, philanthropy, and connection.
- A global community of leaders and families who see generosity as part of their identity.
Experiences & Events
Every 1889 gathering is designed to be memorable in the moment and meaningful in its outcome. Experiences connect members to each other, to global culture, and to the youth and families whose lives are changed through Thirt13n. Core experience categories include:
- Wine & Culinary
- Travel
- Concerts
- Sports
- Salons of Ideas
- Philanthropy Celebrations
- Global Cultural Immersions
Request an Invitation to Join The 1889 Club
Membership is by invitation only and capped at 150 members worldwide. Submit your application (linked above) to us via the contact form on our website.