The Ford Foundation stands as a beacon for social justice, dedicated to building a world where every individual has the agency to shape their own life. For over 85 years, this institution has been at the forefront of global change, collaborating with visionaries and organizations to tackle inequality and promote human dignity.
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The Ford Foundation operates worldwide, focusing on regions and initiatives that address critical social issues. Their approach is rooted in the belief that inequality is the defining challenge of our era, and they actively disrupt systems to advance social justice on a global scale.
The Heartland Initiative
The Foundation’s commitment is evident in initiatives like the Heartland Initiative, which focuses on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within specific regions. This place-based strategy allows for tailored solutions and deeper community engagement.
Danielle King, owner of Spoonful of Sugar bakery, stands proudly in her shop, a recipient of Ford Foundation support.
Through strategic investments, the Ford Foundation empowers communities and individuals driving meaningful change. Their recent announcement of an additional $10 million investment in Appalachian Community Capital exemplifies their dedication to fostering economic opportunity and resilience in underserved areas.
Ford Foundation Boosts Appalachian Community Capital with $10M Investment
This significant financial commitment highlights the Ford Foundation’s role in supporting local businesses and strengthening community infrastructure. By partnering with organizations like Appalachian Community Capital, they amplify their impact and reach a wider network of change-makers.
Two men in hard hats examine blueprints in an industrial setting, representing Ford Foundation's investment in Appalachian businesses.
The Ford Foundation’s partnerships extend beyond financial investment. They actively collaborate with organizations like the RIIF (presumably the acronym for a relevant investment or initiative fund), pooling resources and expertise to maximize their collective impact in regions like Appalachia.
Ford Foundation and RIIF Partner to Invest Millions in Appalachian Businesses
This collaborative approach underscores their understanding that complex social issues require multifaceted solutions and collective action. By working with diverse partners, the Ford Foundation broadens its reach and fosters a more inclusive and impactful philanthropic ecosystem.
Collage depicting a farmer with a drone, a woman in a wheelchair using a phone, and protesters, symbolizing Ford Foundation's diverse areas of social justice work.
At its core, the Ford Foundation is driven by the belief in the inherent dignity of all people. They recognize inequality as the fundamental challenge of our time and actively work to disrupt the systems that perpetuate injustice.
How We Work
Collage showing an Indonesian man in a canoe, Yalitza Aparicio speaking at a conference, and Nigerian colleagues in discussion, representing Ford Foundation's global scope.
The Ford Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is transformative. They invest in innovative ideas, individuals, and institutions that are driving social justice movements worldwide. Their grantmaking strategy is designed to catalyze leaders and organizations committed to building a more equitable world.
Ford Foundation’s Priority Areas: Addressing Global Inequality
The Ford Foundation tackles inequality head-on through nine interconnected priority areas. These areas represent the Foundation’s strategic focus on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more just and equitable world.
Why Inequality?
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Civic Engagement and Government
Recognizing the importance of democratic participation, the Ford Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen civic engagement and promote transparent, accountable governance. This includes fostering inclusive political processes and empowering communities to participate in shaping their societies.
Collage of dancers and artwork in green and orange hues, symbolizing Creativity and Free Expression.
Creativity and Free Expression
The Foundation champions creativity and free expression as essential components of a vibrant and just society. They support artists, cultural institutions, and initiatives that promote artistic freedom and utilize creative expression as a tool for social change and dialogue.
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Disability Rights
Promoting inclusivity and equal rights for people with disabilities is a core priority. The Ford Foundation invests in organizations and initiatives that advocate for disability rights, accessibility, and the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Turquoise collage of service and care workers, representing Future of Workers.
Future of Work(ers)
In a rapidly changing economic landscape, the Ford Foundation focuses on ensuring a just and equitable future for workers. They support initiatives that address issues like income inequality, worker rights, and the impact of technology on employment, aiming for a future of work that benefits all.
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Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice
Advancing gender, racial, and ethnic justice is central to the Ford Foundation’s mission. They support movements and organizations working to dismantle systemic racism, gender inequality, and ethnic discrimination, striving for a society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
Two hands shaking over cellphones, representing Global Governance.
Global Governance
Recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges, the Ford Foundation promotes effective global governance and international cooperation. They support initiatives that strengthen international institutions, foster diplomacy, and address transnational issues like climate change and pandemics.
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Mission Investments
The Ford Foundation utilizes its financial resources strategically through mission-related investments. This approach aligns their investment portfolio with their social justice goals, directing capital towards initiatives and organizations that generate both social and financial returns.
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Natural Resources and Climate Justice
Addressing climate change and promoting environmental justice are critical priorities. The Ford Foundation supports initiatives focused on sustainable resource management, climate resilience, and ensuring that environmental policies are equitable and just for all communities.
Light green collage with people using technology, representing Technology and Society.
Technology and Society
Understanding the transformative power of technology, the Ford Foundation explores its implications for society. They support research and initiatives that examine the ethical, social, and equity dimensions of technology, aiming to harness its potential for good while mitigating potential harms.
Latest News and Stories from the Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation’s website features a rich collection of news and stories highlighting the impact of their work and the resilience of the communities they support. These narratives offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of social justice.
Discover More News and Stories
People working on a hillside with trees, illustrating a story about Indigenous communities shaping climate funding.
How Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Are Shaping the Future of Climate Funding
Recent stories showcase the Ford Foundation’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. For example, their feature on Indigenous Peoples and local communities shaping climate funding highlights the crucial role of these groups in developing effective and equitable climate solutions.
Studio setup with Teresa Njoroge and Hilary Pennington discussing restorative justice, from the "On What Matters" video series.
The Power of Restorative Justice With Teresa Njoroge and Hilary Pennington
Through video series like “On What Matters,” the Ford Foundation provides a platform for social justice leaders to share their insights and visions for a more just world. These conversations delve into critical topics and inspire action towards positive change.
Collage of headshots representing workers fighting for a just economy.
Fighting for a Just Economy: Workers Lead the Way
The Ford Foundation also spotlights the stories of workers and activists on the frontlines of the fight for economic justice. These narratives humanize complex economic issues and demonstrate the power of collective action in creating a fairer economy.
Collage of Core Trans employees and trucks, representing small businesses in Appalachia.
Three Small Businesses Building the Future in Appalachia
Their coverage extends to highlighting the resilience and innovation of small businesses in regions like Appalachia, showcasing how local enterprises contribute to community development and economic revitalization.
The word "Reverberations" artwork, announcing the Ford Foundation Gallery's design history exhibition.
Ford Foundation Gallery presents Reverberations: Lineages in Design History
The Ford Foundation Gallery serves as a unique space to explore social justice themes through art and design. Exhibitions like “Reverberations: Lineages in Design History” encourage critical reflection and dialogue on important social issues.
Cecile Richards in front of a leafy background, a story about her championing justice.
Cecile Richards, Champion for Justice, Forever Undaunted
The Ford Foundation also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to social justice. Stories like the profile of Cecile Richards celebrate the legacy of impactful leaders and inspire future generations of change-makers.
A Legacy of Impact: Over 85 Years of Social Justice
For more than 85 years, the Ford Foundation has been a catalyst for social progress. They have supported groundbreaking ideas, pivotal institutions, and visionary individuals who have shaped history and fueled transformative movements.
Our History
Visit the Ford Foundation’s Center for Social Justice
Located in New York City, the Ford Foundation’s Center for Social Justice welcomes the public to experience its gardens and gallery. This space serves as a hub for social good, bringing together individuals and organizations dedicated to creating a more just world.
Ford Foundation building exterior and garden, a welcoming space in New York City.
Center for Social Justice
The Center embodies the Ford Foundation’s commitment to social justice and provides a physical space for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration. It stands as a testament to their enduring dedication to fostering a more equitable and just world.
Woman in red coat entering Ford Foundation Gallery, inviting visitors to explore art focused on social justice.
Gallery
The Ford Foundation Gallery within the Center for Social Justice showcases artwork that grapples with complex social issues, challenges injustice, and envisions a more equitable future. It offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience for visitors.
About the Gallery
