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.
Sukey Garcetti, sole administrator of her family's foundation, the Roth Family Foundation, discusses her family's history, the background of the foundation, and the grant making philosophy she applies at the foundation. She discusses family and private philanthropy and contrasts them with other philanthropic institutions in terms of scope, capacity, goals, and organization. Garcetti speaks of generational issues, and possible differences in values as a major topic in family philanthropy.
Walter A. Haas, Jr., founder of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, discusses the history of his family's company, the tradition of family philanthropy, and his philosophy of philanthropy. He discusses the need for volunteerism in society and the importance of philanthropy, especially as applied in the San Francisco, California area by his foundation. Haas speaks of grant making, grant evaluation, and the areas favored by his foundation. In addition, generational and family issues in philanthropy are discussed, as is the philanthropic role of the government.
Place:
Bay Area, California and San Francisco, California
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.