Net Worth Ranker
What Is Franklin Graham’s Net Worth?
Franklin Graham, a prominent figure in American Christian evangelism and missionary work, possesses a net worth of $10 million. This financial standing reflects his decades of service through various religious organizations and ventures. While precise details of his asset allocation remain private, it’s understood that his net worth is derived from his leadership roles, book sales, and related activities within the religious sphere.
Early Life and Education
Born William Franklin Graham III on July 14, 1952, in Asheville, North Carolina, Franklin is the fourth of five children. His father was the renowned evangelist Billy Graham and his mother, Ruth McCue (Bell), was a Christian author. Franklin spent his formative years in a log home nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, a setting that likely influenced his early worldview. His educational journey included attendance at Stony Brook School in New York, a private Christian institution. He furthered his studies at LeTourneau University in Texas, another private Christian university, and later at Montreat College in North Carolina, where he earned an Associate degree. His academic pursuits culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree from Appalachian State University. These educational experiences provided a foundation for his future leadership roles.
Career Highlights
Franklin Graham’s career is marked by his leadership within two significant Christian organizations: the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse. He took on the role of CEO of the BGEA in 2000 and became its president in 2001. The BGEA, founded by his father in 1950, is a non-profit organization that focuses on Christian outreach, hosting revival meetings, and providing disaster relief. It also oversees the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville and the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. The library, which opened on June 5, 2007, serves as a repository of Billy Graham’s life and ministry, showcasing presentations, pictures, and artifacts.
In addition to his work with the BGEA, Franklin Graham has been deeply involved with Samaritan’s Purse since 1979, serving as its president and chief operating officer. Samaritan’s Purse, established in 1970 by Bob Pierce, is an international Christian humanitarian organization that provides aid to individuals in need. The organization’s programs include providing lodging for wounded veterans, facilitating short-term medical service at missionary hospitals, enabling heart surgeries for children, ensuring access to safe drinking water in developing countries, supplying educational and hygiene materials to children overseas, offering disaster relief, and rendering emergency aid. The breadth of these initiatives reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing a wide range of human needs.
Beyond his organizational leadership, Franklin Graham has also served as editor-in-chief of Decision magazine, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Decision magazine contains articles that aim to provide a Biblical perspective on current events. His messages of the gospel have reached audiences in every state in America and in nearly 60 countries, solidifying his reputation as a global evangelist.
Finances and Salary
In 2008, Franklin Graham’s income from both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association totaled $1.2 million. This figure became a point of controversy in 2009, leading him to voluntarily relinquish his salary from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He clarified that his involvement in the ministry was not driven by financial gain. However, in 2015, it was reported that he had resumed drawing a salary from both organizations. The specific amounts of his current salaries from these organizations are not publicly disclosed, but they contribute to his overall net worth. These financial arrangements have at times drawn public scrutiny, given the non-profit status of the organizations involved.
Published Works
Franklin Graham has authored several books throughout his career, contributing to his income and public profile. His autobiography, “Rebel with a Cause: Finally Comfortable Being A Graham,” was published in 1995, providing insights into his personal journey and spiritual development. Other titles include “Living Beyond the Limits” (1998), “It’s Who You Know” (2002), and “Operation Christmas Child: A Story of Simple Gifts” (2013). More recent works include “The Loom of Heaven,” “Rocks, Dirty Birds, and Briars” (2016), and “Through My Father’s Eyes” (2018). While the exact sales figures and royalties from these books are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contribute to his overall financial standing and influence.
Controversies and Public Statements
Throughout his career, Franklin Graham has been involved in several controversies stemming from his public statements on social and political issues. In 2012, he voiced his support for a proposed North Carolina ban on same-sex marriage, and when President Obama opposed the ban, Franklin accused him of “shaking his fist at God.” In 2017, he spoke out against a bill that proposed to ban conversion therapy, stating that “Homosexuality is defined by God as a sin, an abomination of him.” These remarks led to significant backlash, including a petition signed by over 7,500 people seeking to prevent him from speaking at an event in Lancashire, England, in 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin Graham suggested that Jesus Christ would want people to receive a vaccine. He has also referred to Islam as an “evil and wicked religion” and made comments about Barack Obama’s Muslim upbringing and his claim of being a Christian. While he later apologized for some of these comments, stating that he regretted any remarks that may have cast doubt on President Obama’s personal faith, his statements have often sparked controversy and debate. Following the 2016 presidential election, Franklin stated that he believed “God showed up” during the election, further intertwining his religious views with political commentary. In 2020, he publicly questioned the possibility of Pete Buttigieg being a “gay Christian,” leading to accusations of hypocrisy and bigotry. These controversies have had an impact on his public image, with some venues canceling his speaking engagements due to his views. Despite the controversies, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association describes Franklin as someone who addresses current moral and social issues to encourage Christians to uphold Biblical values.
Personal Life
Franklin Graham married Jane Austin Cunningham in 1974, and they have four children: William Franklin IV, Roy Austin, Edward Bell, and Jane Austin. Franklin and his wife reside in Boone, North Carolina. In November 2021, he underwent heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to address constrictive pericarditis, from which he had been suffering for several months. The specifics of his personal assets, such as real estate holdings or investment portfolios, are not publicly disclosed. While details about his lifestyle are limited, his residence in Boone, North Carolina, provides some insight into his personal preferences and values.
Accolades
Franklin Graham has received several honorary doctorates from various institutions, including LeTourneau University, Whitworth College, Toccoa Falls College, Lees-McRae College, Liberty University, and National University. These honorary degrees recognize his contributions to religious and humanitarian work. In 2014, he was honored with the Watchman Award by the Family Research Council and the William Booth Award by the Salvation Army. These accolades reflect the recognition he has received from within the Christian community for his service and leadership.
