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.
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
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.