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.
Charles A. Johnson, a foundation officer of the Lilly Endowment and former fundraiser, discusses the influences of his background, religion, and education on his values and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of the Lilly family, their commitment to philanthropy, and the three main areas of emphasis in the Lilly Endowment: religion, education, and community development. Johnson discusses the Endowment's grant making process in these areas, in addition to commenting on philanthropic ethics, the causes and effects of the 1969 Tax Reform Act, and the Endowment's traditional emphasis on making grants in Indianapolis.
James A. Joseph, the president and chief executive officer of the Council on Foundations, discusses his values, education, career, and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of international philanthropy, especially in the context of his book, The Charitable Impulse . In addition, Joseph comments on foundation assessment, philanthropic ethics, diversity and minority groups in philanthropy, and the necessity of leadership. He also reveals his beliefs as to the place of philanthropy in United States society and he speaks of the fewness of jobs and lack of specific training for jobs in the philanthropic world.