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Start Over Level Interview Place San Francisco, California

Collins, Dennis A., December 6, 1991

Collection ID:
90-043
Date:
December 6, 1991
Scope Content:
Dennis A. Collins, president of the James Irvine Foundation, discusses his childhood, familial influences, and education and how each of these made an impact on his philosophy of philanthropy. Specifically, Collins emphasizes the differences between east coast and west coast philanthropy, and speaks of the unique characteristics of California and its population as factors that foundations must recognize and respond to accordingly. He stresses the importance of diversity in this context and also the need for and difficulties involved in foundation assessment or evaluation.
Place:
California and San Francisco, California
  1. Center for Documentary Research and Practice
  2. American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993

Haas, Walter A., Jr., December 5, 1991

Collection ID:
90-041
Date:
December 5, 1991
Scope Content:
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
  1. Center for Documentary Research and Practice
  2. American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993

Hirsch, Bruce A., December 5, 1991

Collection ID:
90-042
Date:
December 5, 1991
Scope Content:
Dr. Bruce A. Hirsch, executive director of the Clarence Heller Foundation, discusses his education, background, and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of grant making at the Heller Foundation and of the main areas in which this institution issues grants, which include health and the environment, environmental preservation, chamber and symphonic orchestra music, and curriculum development for underprivileged students. Hirsch discusses family foundations, the impact of the nineteen sixties, grant making, grant evaluation, and environmental grant making.
Place:
California and San Francisco, California
  1. Center for Documentary Research and Practice
  2. American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993

Wilson, Kirke, June 26, 1991

Collection ID:
90-032
Date:
June 26, 1991
Scope Content:
Kirke Wilson, a philanthropist employed at the Rosenberg Foundation, discusses the main issues tackled by the foundation: the cultural integration of immigrants, children and families in poverty, and child support reform. He speaks of his strong feelings of social responsibility and about social justice. Mr. Wilson comments on the recognition of the need for reform that grew out of the movements of the nineteen sixties. In addition, he discusses grant making, his opinion as to the government's optimal role in philanthropy, and foundation specialization.
Place:
San Francisco, California
  1. Center for Documentary Research and Practice
  2. American Foundations Oral History Project, 1989-1993