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.
Philip Bernstein discusses the beginning of his interest in philanthropy and traces his career at the Jewish Community Federation in this interview. He discusses Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropy, values, and social welfare, and he speaks of the ease and importance of cooperation between these groups. In addition, Bernstein speaks of the impact of the rise of Hitler and Nazism on Jewish philanthropy, of philanthropic involvement with the Independent Sector, and the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on social ideals and social welfare.
Dennis A. Collins, president of the James Irvine Foundation, discusses his childhood, familial influences, and education and how each of these made an impact on his philosophy of philanthropy. Specifically, Collins emphasizes the differences between east coast and west coast philanthropy, and speaks of the unique characteristics of California and its population as factors that foundations must recognize and respond to accordingly. He stresses the importance of diversity in this context and also the need for and difficulties involved in foundation assessment or evaluation.