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.
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.