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.
Philip Bernstein discusses the beginning of his interest in philanthropy and traces his career at the Jewish Community Federation in this interview. He discusses Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropy, values, and social welfare, and he speaks of the ease and importance of cooperation between these groups. In addition, Bernstein speaks of the impact of the rise of Hitler and Nazism on Jewish philanthropy, of philanthropic involvement with the Independent Sector, and the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on social ideals and social welfare.