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.
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.
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
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
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