The over-all subject is Giving in support of the arts. I am here to talk about foundation giving, which is really a very small part of the support of the arts. Frankly, anyone who attempts to speak on behalf of foundations is bound to be wrong to some extent from the very beginning.

In 1963, The Rockefeller Foundation completed a half century of activity directed toward the well-being of mankind throughout the world, as its charter defined its purpose. In the course of these fifty years, the Foundation, through its trustees, officers and field staff, has carried out a broad program, comprising grants to educational and research institutions, a number of operating projects conducted by its own staff members, and fellowships to provide for individuals of promise to develop their full professional potential.