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.
Sukey Garcetti, sole administrator of her family's foundation, the Roth Family Foundation, discusses her family's history, the background of the foundation, and the grant making philosophy she applies at the foundation. She discusses family and private philanthropy and contrasts them with other philanthropic institutions in terms of scope, capacity, goals, and organization. Garcetti speaks of generational issues, and possible differences in values as a major topic in family philanthropy.