American Foundations Oral History Project

In this interview, William Aramony discusses his career in philanthropy and social work which has culminated in his ascension to the position of president of the United Way of America. Aramony speaks about the organization and mission of the United Way, the changes it has undergone, some of its main functions and beneficiaries, and the central issue of fundraising, especially in the context of the growing number of government-supported not-for-profit organizations increasing competition for a limited amount of available funds.

Philip Bernstein discusses the beginning of his interest in philanthropy and traces his career at the Jewish Community Federation in this interview. He discusses Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropy, values, and social welfare, and he speaks of the ease and importance of cooperation between these groups. In addition, Bernstein speaks of the impact of the rise of Hitler and Nazism on Jewish philanthropy, of philanthropic involvement with the Independent Sector, and the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on social ideals and social welfare.

In this interview, Landrum Bolling discusses his past, including his childhood, his religious and moral upbringing with Quaker and Baptist influences, his education and career, and his eventual work in philanthropy. He speaks of his intimate association with the Lilly Endowment, and its focus on the importance of education in the state of Indiana and throughout the world. Bolling also comments on his personal philosophy on philanthropy, and describes some of the places and events which influenced this philosophy.

Leo J. Brennan, Jr., who deals with decisions and dispersals of grant monies and philanthropic awards of the Ford Fund, discusses his career history and philosophy of philanthropy in this interview. He speaks of corporate philanthropy and the major goal of the Ford Fund of supporting education. In addition, Brennan describes his work, the types of grant requests he receives, and the type of applicants involved.

Peter Buchanan, president of CASE, or Council for Advancement and Support of Education, discusses his background, education, and career, and how each of these have influenced his philosophy of, and practical implications about, philanthropy. He emphasizes his years as a student and administrator at Columbia University in the late nineteen sixties and early seventies as a time when his values and perspective were significantly shaped and cemented. Buchanan stresses the need for philanthropic gifts for education, the importance of fundraising for education, the crisis in education, and his fears for the future of corporate philanthropy.

Emmett D. Carson discusses in this interview his childhood, parents, and educational background, and describes the impact of each of these on his philosophy of philanthropy. He goes on to speak of African Americans and philanthropy, the relationship between percentage of minorities in philanthropy and the need for the understanding of minorities in philanthropy. Carson also emphasizes foundations and diversity, the role of government in philanthropy, and the conjectured relationship between drug dealing and other illegal activities and philanthropic funding.

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.

Raymond Crabbs, the former president of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, or NSFRE, discusses his career history, the values he has developed throughout the course of his life, and his philosophy of philanthropy in this interview. Crabbs speaks of his tenure at NSFRE and emphasizes the differences between corporate and foundation philanthropy, mentioning some major players in each realm. In addition, he discusses the under-representation of minorities in the professional field of philanthropy, internal politics within organizations, and the political leanings of philanthropic organizations either toward liberal or conservative agendas.

Joseph Cruickshank discusses his background and the development of his values and philosophy of philanthropy in this interview. He speaks of the priorities of foundations and possible negative impacts of philanthropic foundation abuse. In addition, Cruickshank discusses the philanthropic role of the United States government, the influence of the nineteen sixties on philanthropy and volunteerism, and grants.

Sara Engelhardt discusses her childhood, family background, education, values, and career at the Carnegie Foundation in this interview. She speaks of her philosophy of philanthropy and the ethics involved in this field. In addition, she discusses the purpose of the Foundation Library Center, her vision for the future, the impact of the 1969 Tax Reform Act on philanthropy, philanthropic abuse, and the importance of diversity in philanthropy.

Barbara Finberg, formerly the executive vice president of the Carnegie Corporation, discusses her philosophy of philanthropy, her values, and occupational background in this interview. Finberg spoke of her career at the Carnegie Corporation, the philanthropic goals of this institution, and the changes it experienced over the years. She also discusses diversity and minorities with regard to philanthropy, and her own experiences as a woman in a formerly male-dominated field. In addition, Finberg speaks of the ethics of the field of philanthropy and the role of foundations in society.

Ellen Furnari, the foundation coordinator of Ben and Jerry's Foundation, discusses the structure of this foundation, the manner in which she ascended to her position, and the goal or mission statement of this foundation. She describes objectives of the foundation, and how these are achieved through the making of grants aimed at instigating social changes. In addition, Furnari discusses what foundations can accomplish in society, the difference between Ben and Jerry's Foundation and other corporate institutions of philanthropy, and the issue of diversity and minorities with regard to philanthropy.

Sukey Garcetti, sole administrator of her family's foundation, the Roth Family Foundation, discusses her family's history, the background of the foundation, and the grant making philosophy she applies at the foundation. She discusses family and private philanthropy and contrasts them with other philanthropic institutions in terms of scope, capacity, goals, and organization. Garcetti speaks of generational issues, and possible differences in values as a major topic in family philanthropy.

John Gardner, a successful philanthropist who spent the majority of his career at the Carnegie Corporation, discusses his background, career development, philosophy of philanthropy, and tenure at the Carnegie Corporation. He speaks of the importance of preventive philanthropy and he emphasizes educational grants in this context. In addition, Gardner discusses grant evaluation, the Independent Sector, and the guiding principles he uses with regard to the application of foundation monies in the form of grants.

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.

David Hamburg, president of the Carnegie Corporation, discusses the mission behind his foundation. He talks about his educational background, his previous experience with philanthropic organizations, describes some of Carnegie Corporation's current projects and its influential projects of the past. He compares Carnegie to other large foundations in the United States and also places foundations in the political and social structure of America.

Steven M. Hilton, a director of the Hilton Foundation, discusses the mission and vision of his grandfather, Conrad Hilton, the founder of this philanthropic institution. He speaks of the impact of Catholicism on the development of his own values and philosophy of philanthropy and also on the grants funded by the Hilton Foundation. Hilton also discusses the influence of the nineteen sixties on himself personally and on philanthropy in general. He comments on the nature of family foundations and his association with them. In addition, Hilton speaks of the Hilton Foundation's national and international focus, its commitment to early childhood development, grant making, and grant evaluation.

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.

Sibyl Jacobson, a philanthropist at the Metropolitan Life Foundation, discusses her educational background as it is related to her career in philanthropy. Much of her discussion revolves around corporate philanthropy and corporate foundations and ethics involved in the practice of this line of work. Jacobson discusses the priorities of the Metropolitan Life Foundation, its grant making policies, and the role of diversity in philanthropy.

Charles A. Johnson, a foundation officer of the Lilly Endowment and former fundraiser, discusses the influences of his background, religion, and education on his values and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of the Lilly family, their commitment to philanthropy, and the three main areas of emphasis in the Lilly Endowment: religion, education, and community development. Johnson discusses the Endowment's grant making process in these areas, in addition to commenting on philanthropic ethics, the causes and effects of the 1969 Tax Reform Act, and the Endowment's traditional emphasis on making grants in Indianapolis.

James A. Joseph, the president and chief executive officer of the Council on Foundations, discusses his values, education, career, and philosophy of philanthropy. He speaks of international philanthropy, especially in the context of his book, . In addition, Joseph comments on foundation assessment, philanthropic ethics, diversity and minority groups in philanthropy, and the necessity of leadership. He also reveals his beliefs as to the place of philanthropy in United States society and he speaks of the fewness of jobs and lack of specific training for jobs in the philanthropic world.

Robert N. Kreidler, born in 1929, describes his work in United States foundations, particularly at the Sloan and Dana foundations. He describes the formation and management of foundations, their boards and employees, including women and minorities. Further, he describes the grant making process, successes and failures, and public opinion of foundations.

John and Geraldine Kunstadter run their family foundation, the Albert Kunstadter Family Foundation. They discuss their respective backgrounds, educations, and the development of their values. Also discussed is the history of their family foundation, family foundations in general, and their process of grant making. Their foundation tends to emphasize international philanthropy. The Kunstadters speak of their beliefs about the role of organized philanthropy, diversity in foundations, the importance of annual reports, and the set of priorities they use in grant making decisions.

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.

Elizabeth J. "Jing" Lyman, active in volunteerism, social welfare, and philanthropy for decades, discusses the profound influence of her upbringing, family, education, and background on the development of her values, career path, and philosophy of philanthropy. In this interview, she emphasizes women and philanthropy, grant seeking and grant making, especially with regard to diversity issues. In addition, Lyman speaks of the importance and effectiveness of grassroots organizing, and the making of activist grants.

Richard Lyman, president of Stanford University and president of the Rockefeller Foundation, discusses his background, education, and career, and his views on philanthropy. Specifically, he speaks extensively about the Rockefeller Foundation, the ideal characteristics of foundation leaders, diversity, philanthropic ethics, and both the positive and negative aspects of grant evaluation. Lyman also speaks of foundations in general and the health of American foundations.

Richard A. Magat, a philanthropist employed in public relations at the Ford Foundation and former president of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation, discusses his background, education, and philosophy of philanthropy. He comments extensively on foundations, the nature of foundations, international philanthropy, possible criticisms of foundations, and the internal politics often present in foundation administration. In addition, Magat speaks of the 1969 Tax Reform Act, what initiated this Congressional act, and some of the results in the philanthropic world.

Russell G. Mawby, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of the W.K Kellogg Foundation, discusses his family and childhood on a fruit farm in rural Michigan, the development of his values, and the importance placed on education and agriculture as he grew up. He speaks of his entrance into the field of philanthropy, and his broad definition of philanthropy, foundations, and philanthropic ethics. Mawby outlines some of the main grant making goals of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, including urban and rural education and development, nutritional health on an international scale, and ground water education. In addition, he discusses foundations in American society and what he sees in the future for philanthropy.

Elizabeth McCormack, a nun and philanthropist who has worked at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the MacArthur Foundation, discusses her career, values, and favorite grants. She speaks of the history of philanthropy and her views on the future of philanthropy. McCormack discusses grant making and grant evaluation, as well as the role she believes the government should take in regard to philanthropy. In addition, she comments on diversity in philanthropic boards and foundations.

William McGinly, chief executive officer and president of the Association for Health Philanthropy, discusses his background, his family, the development of his values, and his entrance into the field of philanthropy. McGinly emphasizes the profound personal importance of education and health care, as well as its importance to the organization which he leads. He discusses some characteristics and experiences that he believes make a good philanthropist. In addition, McGinly comments on the Give to Life Program, philanthropic ethics, diversity in philanthropy, and possible effects of the first Persian Gulf War on American philanthropy.

Waldemar Nielsen, whose career centered on philanthropy at the Ford Foundation, discusses his background, early career, and thoughts on American philanthropy. Nielsen speaks of his views on the role of foundations in United States society and the weaknesses of foundations, including the lack of diversity within and among foundations. He discusses the impact of McCarthyism on the Ford Foundation and the role the government should play, and has played, in philanthropy.

Brian O'Connell, a philanthropist at the Independent Sector, discusses his background, education, and career at the Independent Sector. He speaks of diversity and the interplay between government and philanthropy. O'Connell comments on foundations in United States' society, his thoughts on the future on American philanthropy, and, more specifically, the agenda and description of the Independent Sector.

Robert L. Payton, a professor of philanthropic studies who was intensely involved with the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, discusses his family and childhood, and their contribution to his moral development, and eventual career and beliefs about philanthropy. He speaks of the so-called robber barons and the foundations created from their accumulated wealth, and the reasons or purposes of the wealthy who set up foundations. In addition, Payton discusses changes philanthropy and foundations have undergone, especially since World War II, and the role the government plays in philanthropy.

Alan Pifer, who served for seventeen years as the president of the Carnegie Corporation, discusses his family, education, service in World War II, and the development of his values and beliefs in this interview. He speaks of the personal requirements of a career in philanthropy in terms of personality, character, and education. Pifer comments on his career history, foundations, the interaction of philanthropic organizations and government, the various philanthropic causes with which he has worked, and his efforts for education in Africa. In addition, he discusses the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the diversity of the boards of philanthropic organizations.

Hugh B. Price, born in 1941, describes his career in foundation work, particularly with the Rockefeller Foundation, where he managed their funds for school reform and equal opportunity. Price also describes his early career and his philosophy of grant-making.

Al Scallon, the director of the Corporate Support Programs (or corporate philanthropy) of IBM, speaks of IBM's reasons for giving, as well as his own ideas regarding the purpose and orientation of philanthropy. He emphasizes the international character of IBM's philanthropic activities and discusses the increased stress on programs aimed at minority development. In addition, Scallon discusses the issue of philanthropic ethics.

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.

Lorie Slutsky, president of New York Community Trust, speaks of her background and career as a philanthropist in this interview. She discusses the grant making procedures at the New York Community Trust as well as its priorities, which include children, youth, families, health, community development, and education. Additionally, she describes its mission, philosophy, and structure, and comments on the increasing diversity in the Trust, especially regarding the large number of women on the board and staff, the processes involved, and idea of philanthropy and grant evaluation.

Alfred H. Taylor, Jr., the board chairman of the Kresge Foundation, speaks of his background and career in philanthropy. He emphasizes the history and priorities of the Kresge Foundation, as well as its grant making procedures. Taylor discusses the relations between the professional staff and trustees of the foundation, as well as the question of foundations serving their own interests or areas of preferred service. In addition, he speaks of the increase in diversity in 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.

Paul Ylvisaker discusses in this interview his life, background, and richly varied career that centered on philanthropy, primarily in association with the Ford Foundation. He speaks of both the problems with and benefits of American foundations, as well as the ethics involved in philanthropy. Ylvisaker comments on the impact his Lutheran upbringing had on his values and career path, as well as the increasing diversity within philanthropy.