WASHINGTON — September 10, 2026— Philanthropy Roundtable, in partnership with the DeVos Family Foundation, is pleased to announce legendary investor, author and philanthropist Peter Lynch as the recipient of the inaugural 2026 DeVos Family Prize for Leadership in Giving.
For nearly four decades, Lynch has applied the same disciplined, results-oriented approach to philanthropy that defined his historic success managing Fidelity’s Magellan Fund. Together with his late wife, Carolyn, he built a legacy that continues today, creating opportunities for young Americans, strengthening civic and social institutions and improving the health and well-being of future generations.
A devout Catholic, Lynch will donate the Prize’s $100,000 award to The Catholic Schools Foundation, which provides need-based scholarships and academic enrichment programs for students attending Catholic schools in the greater Boston area.
“Peter’s lifelong devotion to his family, belief in the power of a good education and quiet, practical generosity reflect the strength of his character and leadership,” said Dick DeVos of the DeVos Family Foundation. “The Lynch family’s giving demonstrates how faithful stewardship can help build strong and thriving communities. Their work has touched millions of lives in Boston and around the globe.”
The Lynches’ giving has surpassed $330 million and has supported education, health and social welfare, cultural and historic preservation, access to open spaces and the Catholic Church’s religious and educational work.
Peter and Carolyn established The Lynch Foundation in 1988. Their faith inspired a deep commitment to education from early childhood development through college, especially opportunities for low-income students. A longtime chairman of the Catholic Schools Foundation’s Building Minds Scholarship Fund, Lynch has helped raise more than $250 million in scholarships.
The Lynches also support student services and teacher training through City Year and Teach for America. In 2010, the Lynch Foundation helped establish the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College, a nationally recognized model for training school leaders which has supported more than 1,500 school leaders across 70 communities.
Beyond education, the Lynches’ support for AmeriCares and Partners in Health has advanced healthcare and poverty relief worldwide. Their foundation has also worked to enhance Boston-area cultural institutions and create world class community spaces, including the Lynch Family Skatepark, a beloved family project spearheaded by Carolyn.
“Peter Lynch’s philanthropy is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when you put your values—faith, family and community—at the center of your giving. He not only focuses on how to make the greatest impact, but also on empowering organizations so that they can grow and thrive,” said Philanthropy Roundtable President and CEO Christie Herrera. “There is so much donors can learn from the Lynches’ giving, including how small, careful and thoughtful investments can lead to big, transformative results.”
As the 2026 DeVos Family Prize recipient, Peter Lynch will be honored at Philanthropy Roundtable’s 2026 Annual Meeting in October.
About the DeVos Family Prize for Leadership in Giving
The DeVos Family Prize for Leadership in Giving recognizes philanthropic leadership and seeks to inspire more Americans to carry forward and strengthen our nation’s rich tradition of private giving. It is generously funded by the DeVos Family Foundation.
About Philanthropy Roundtable
Philanthropy Roundtable is a trusted partner to America’s most generous and influential charitable donors committed to freedom. By combining a strong defense of donors’ rights with the knowledge and expertise to give effectively, we help our network advance liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility with lasting impact.
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