Search

Start Over Names Rockefeller Foundation Subjects philanthropy
Center for Documentary Research and Practice

American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993

42 Interviews Collection ID: ohrc001
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.
Top 3 results view all 4

Lyman, Elizabeth J. "Jing", December 4, 1991

Collection ID:
90-046
Date:
December 4, 1991
Scope Content:
Elizabeth J. "Jing" Lyman, active in volunteerism, social welfare, and philanthropy for decades, discusses the profound influence of her upbringing, family, education, and background on the development of her values, career path, and philosophy of philanthropy. In this interview, she emphasizes women and philanthropy, grant seeking and grant making, especially with regard to diversity issues. In addition, Lyman speaks of the importance and effectiveness of grassroots organizing, and the making of activist grants.

Lyman, Richard, August 21, 1991

Collection ID:
90-034
Date:
August 21, 1991
Scope Content:
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.

Nielsen, Waldemar, February 15, 1990

Collection ID:
90-004
Date:
February 15, 1990
Scope Content:
Waldemar Nielsen, whose career centered on philanthropy at the Ford Foundation, discusses his background, early career, and thoughts on American philanthropy. Nielsen speaks of his views on the role of foundations in United States society and the weaknesses of foundations, including the lack of diversity within and among foundations. He discusses the impact of McCarthyism on the Ford Foundation and the role the government should play, and has played, in philanthropy.