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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.