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.
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.
Leslie Lenkowsky, the president of the Hudson Institute, discusses his background and education, the neo-conservative movement, Judaism, and the strengths and weaknesses of American foundations in this interview. He speaks of the impacts of the nineteen sixties, including increased attention to social welfare. In addition, Lenkowsky comments on foundation assessment, the problems with family foundations, the philanthropic role of the government, the relationship between Judaism and neo-conservatism, and many of his fellow philanthropists and the institutions they represent.
Place:
Baltic Region, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Soviet Union