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.
Richard Lyman, president of Stanford University and president of the Rockefeller Foundation, discusses his background, education, and career, and his views on philanthropy. Specifically, he speaks extensively about the Rockefeller Foundation, the ideal characteristics of foundation leaders, diversity, philanthropic ethics, and both the positive and negative aspects of grant evaluation. Lyman also speaks of foundations in general and the health of American foundations.