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Start Over Names Gardner, John Subjects foundations
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.
2 results

Nielsen, Waldemar, February 15, 1990

Collection ID:
90-004
Date:
February 15, 1990
Scope Content:
Waldemar Nielsen, whose career centered on philanthropy at the Ford Foundation, discusses his background, early career, and thoughts on American philanthropy. Nielsen speaks of his views on the role of foundations in United States society and the weaknesses of foundations, including the lack of diversity within and among foundations. He discusses the impact of McCarthyism on the Ford Foundation and the role the government should play, and has played, in philanthropy.

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