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.
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.
Dr. Bruce A. Hirsch, executive director of the Clarence Heller Foundation, discusses his education, background, and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of grant making at the Heller Foundation and of the main areas in which this institution issues grants, which include health and the environment, environmental preservation, chamber and symphonic orchestra music, and curriculum development for underprivileged students. Hirsch discusses family foundations, the impact of the nineteen sixties, grant making, grant evaluation, and environmental grant making.
Sibyl Jacobson, a philanthropist at the Metropolitan Life Foundation, discusses her educational background as it is related to her career in philanthropy. Much of her discussion revolves around corporate philanthropy and corporate foundations and ethics involved in the practice of this line of work. Jacobson discusses the priorities of the Metropolitan Life Foundation, its grant making policies, and the role of diversity in philanthropy.