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Center for Documentary Research and Practice

American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993

42 Interviews Collection ID: ohrc001
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.
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O'Connell, Brian, May 2, 1991

Collection ID:
90-031
Date:
May 2, 1991
Scope Content:
Brian O'Connell, a philanthropist at the Independent Sector, discusses his background, education, and career at the Independent Sector. He speaks of diversity and the interplay between government and philanthropy. O'Connell comments on foundations in United States' society, his thoughts on the future on American philanthropy, and, more specifically, the agenda and description of the Independent Sector.

Pifer, Alan, February 14, 1990

Collection ID:
90-005
Date:
February 14, 1990
Scope Content:
Alan Pifer, who served for seventeen years as the president of the Carnegie Corporation, discusses his family, education, service in World War II, and the development of his values and beliefs in this interview. He speaks of the personal requirements of a career in philanthropy in terms of personality, character, and education. Pifer comments on his career history, foundations, the interaction of philanthropic organizations and government, the various philanthropic causes with which he has worked, and his efforts for education in Africa. In addition, he discusses the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the diversity of the boards of philanthropic organizations.
Place:
Africa and South Africa

Shannon, James P., February 26, 1991

Collection ID:
90-024
Date:
February 26, 1991
Scope Content:
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.
Place:
St. Paul, Minnesota