The American Foundations Oral History Project consists of a series of interviews with prominent American philanthropists, each of whom relates their background, the development of their values, and their philosophies of philanthropy. The purpose and state of American philanthropy, including those family foundations and corporate foundations, form a central topic, as do the recent trend of increasing diversity and opinions on grant evaluation and philanthropic assessment. In addition, many interviewees comment on the role of government in philanthropy and the system of ethics at play in American philanthropy.
Steven M. Hilton, a director of the Hilton Foundation, discusses the mission and vision of his grandfather, Conrad Hilton, the founder of this philanthropic institution. He speaks of the impact of Catholicism on the development of his own values and philosophy of philanthropy and also on the grants funded by the Hilton Foundation. Hilton also discusses the influence of the nineteen sixties on himself personally and on philanthropy in general. He comments on the nature of family foundations and his association with them. In addition, Hilton speaks of the Hilton Foundation's national and international focus, its commitment to early childhood development, grant making, and grant evaluation.
James P. Shannon, the former vice president and director of the General Mills Foundation, reflects on his life. He discusses his family, Catholicism, and education. He also discusses his career in philanthropy, the ethics of philanthropy, its diversification, some problems, and a few of his favorite projects. In addition, Shannon emphasizes the purpose and goals, in his view, of corporate philanthropy.