Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising - Videos

Susan Berresford Explains Challenges Facing Foundations in Troubled Economic Times

On November 3, 2008, Susan Berresford, former president of the Ford Foundation and philanthropy consultant for The New York Community Trust, discussed how foundations can meet the challenges presented by the current economic situation with Neil Grabois of the George H. Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS).

Berresford discussed sources of excitement—and concern—in the world of contemporary philanthropy. She also answered many questions about philanthropic foundations, including types of risk taking, foundation practices, and transparency.

Berresford was with the Ford Foundation, among the largest foundations in the U.S., for 38 years and served as its president and CEO from 1996 to 2008. Under her leadership, the Foundation expanded its work on poverty reduction, human rights, peace building, governance reform, education, and the arts.