Collection: Foundation Center Historical Information Files

Scope and Contents

The Historical Information Files series consists of correspondence, Foundation Center questionnaires and surveys, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, press releases, grant guidelines, and newsletters for thousands of foundations. These files document foundation activity and the way a foundation portrays itself to the public through their literature. This series is extremely valuable for its pre-1960 information. Before 1960, standards and accountability to the public were not yet established. With many foundations terminating every year these records are often the only information source for these foundations.

The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by foundation name.

Dates

1930 - 2012

Creator

Foundation Center (Creator, Organization)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to the public without restriction.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.

Historical Note

The Foundation Center was created in 1956 during a period of particularly intense public scrutiny of foundations. Its mission then and today is to collect and disseminate accurate information about foundation activity so as to hold foundations accountable to the public. The roughly 6000 foundations for which the Foundation Center collected information in 1956 had grown to over 68,000 annually.

Extent

466 Cubic Feet (Approximately 466 record cartons.)

Additional Description

General

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