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.
Ellen Furnari, the foundation coordinator of Ben and Jerry's Foundation, discusses the structure of this foundation, the manner in which she ascended to her position, and the goal or mission statement of this foundation. She describes objectives of the foundation, and how these are achieved through the making of grants aimed at instigating social changes. In addition, Furnari discusses what foundations can accomplish in society, the difference between Ben and Jerry's Foundation and other corporate institutions of philanthropy, and the issue of diversity and minorities with regard to philanthropy.