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.
Walter A. Haas, Jr., founder of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, discusses the history of his family's company, the tradition of family philanthropy, and his philosophy of philanthropy. He discusses the need for volunteerism in society and the importance of philanthropy, especially as applied in the San Francisco, California area by his foundation. Haas speaks of grant making, grant evaluation, and the areas favored by his foundation. In addition, generational and family issues in philanthropy are discussed, as is the philanthropic role of the government.
Place:
Bay Area, California and San Francisco, California