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.
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.
Leslie Lenkowsky, the president of the Hudson Institute, discusses his background and education, the neo-conservative movement, Judaism, and the strengths and weaknesses of American foundations in this interview. He speaks of the impacts of the nineteen sixties, including increased attention to social welfare. In addition, Lenkowsky comments on foundation assessment, the problems with family foundations, the philanthropic role of the government, the relationship between Judaism and neo-conservatism, and many of his fellow philanthropists and the institutions they represent.
Place:
Baltic Region, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Soviet Union