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.
Emmett D. Carson discusses in this interview his childhood, parents, and educational background, and describes the impact of each of these on his philosophy of philanthropy. He goes on to speak of African Americans and philanthropy, the relationship between percentage of minorities in philanthropy and the need for the understanding of minorities in philanthropy. Carson also emphasizes foundations and diversity, the role of government in philanthropy, and the conjectured relationship between drug dealing and other illegal activities and philanthropic funding.
Joseph Cruickshank discusses his background and the development of his values and philosophy of philanthropy in this interview. He speaks of the priorities of foundations and possible negative impacts of philanthropic foundation abuse. In addition, Cruickshank discusses the philanthropic role of the United States government, the influence of the nineteen sixties on philanthropy and volunteerism, and grants.
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.