The Carter Partnership Award is named for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter as a tribute to their lifelong efforts to build and strengthen safe, healthy, and caring communities throughout the world. The Carters have devoted their lives to this goal on a host of fronts, from Mrs. Carter's interests in aging, mental health, and women's rights; to President Carter's commitment to public education, human rights, democratic processes, and peace; and to their joint work on behalf of housing for low-income families and the eradication of deadly diseases around the world.
Since 1982, the Carters have dedicated themselves to the activities of the non-profit, non-partisan Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. President and Mrs. Carter play active roles in the Center's efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, encourage freedom and democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease and other afflictions throughout the world. Along with their many public service achievements, the Carters haven raised four children and written a combined total of 19 books on issues including political life, aging, conflict resolution, mental health, care-giving, and religious faith.