All in Favor: An Oral History of Philanthropy - Incite at Columbia University

All in Favor is a first-of-its-kind research project capturing the voices and oral histories of foundation trustees across the country. As of 2024, total philanthropic foundation assets have reached an unprecedented $1.5 trillion—a critical component of the United States’ safety net. Yet the perspectives of the board members and trustees who steward this wealth remain largely undocumented and unexplored.

Too often, trustee perspectives remain private—shaping billions in resources but rarely shared for public learning. At a moment when philanthropy faces growing political scrutiny, All in Favor opens a door into this world and invites trustees to reflect on the social and political contexts of their service. By capturing and publishing trustees' insights, the project provides the field and future trustees with insights to strengthen philanthropy’s legitimacy and transparency and to ensure that institutional culture aligns with the mission. By participating, trustees not only contribute to the historical record but help chart a more just and democratic future for the sector.

Rooted in the belief that space shapes story, All in Favor also incorporates artist-led gatherings—dinners, experiences, and workshops—that foster a more open and creative dialogue than institutional settings allow. By blending oral history, spatial design, and the arts, the project shows how cultural practice can transform not only how we gather, but how we govern.
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Led by Marianna de Senna Schaffer—a foundation Board Chair and experienced philanthropic leader—All in Favor is developed in partnership with Columbia University’s Incite Institute and supported by the Ford Foundation.

The project invites foundation trustees and board chairs of private mid- to large-sized foundations who have served between 2008 and today to participate in interviews and contribute to this growing national archive. Trustees can express interest here. 

Please contact Marianna Schaffer for more information about the project at ms7199@columbia.edu.