Ford Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that provides money for projects to advance human well-being. The foundation has four main goals: (1) to strengthen democratic values, (2) to reduce poverty and injustice, (3) to promote international cooperation, and (4) to advance human achievement. It grants funds primarily to institutions—both in the United States and in other countries—that help advance these goals.
The Ford Foundation has headquarters in New York City and field offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Ford Foundation was established in 1936.
Programs.
The Ford Foundation supports projects and activities that seek to improve human welfare in nine key issue areas. These areas are: (1) making government more democratic and accountable, (2) ensuring human rights, (3) strengthening the role of philanthropy on issues of social justice, (4) working toward economic fairness and security for low-income people, (5) promoting opportunity through equitable development of metropolitan areas, (6) promoting sustainable development of natural resources for the benefit of poor communities, (7) expanding educational opportunity and scholarship, (8) supporting freedom of expression, and (9) strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Ford Foundation also supports a number of special initiatives and partnerships throughout the world.
Leadership.
A 15-member board of trustees governs the Ford Foundation. The board includes members from the United States and from other countries. It determines policies related to spending and management, sets organizational standards, and selects the foundation’s president. The president and other staff members are responsible for approving and administering individual grants.
History.
Edsel Ford, the son of the American automobile manufacturer Henry Ford, chartered the Ford Foundation in 1936. Its purpose was to “receive and administer funds for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, all for the public welfare.” In its early years, most of the foundation’s grants went to charitable and educational institutions in Michigan. The wills of Edsel and Henry, both of whom died in the 1940’s, left nearly $500 million to the foundation. Under the leadership of Henry Ford II, Edsel’s son, the foundation broadened its programs to address national and international challenges. For assets, see Foundation (table).
See also Ford, Henry; Ford, Henry, II; Ford Motor Company.
