James P. Shannon, the former vice president and director of the General Mills Foundation, reflects on his life. He discusses his family, Catholicism, and education. He also discusses his career in philanthropy, the ethics of philanthropy, its diversification, some problems, and a few of his favorite projects. In addition, Shannon emphasizes the purpose and goals, in his view, of corporate philanthropy.
Benjamin R. Shute, Jr., the corporate secretary of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, discusses his childhood, family life, education, and how each of these influenced the development of the values which direct his judgement in his career in philanthropy. He speaks of the Rockefellers as a family and as a foundation, their special interests, international projects, focus on New York City, and diversification to include minorities in the grant making and grant receiving process. In addition, he discusses the creation of New Ventures, a nonprofit consulting organization.