From the President

Follow President Heather Gerken on social media

Why the Ford Foundation Has Committed $60M in New Funding to Protect Elections

Ford’s new leader, Heather Gerken, a constitutional law scholar, outlines a grant-making strategy designed to battle polarization’s gale-force winds.

Read more about Ford’s Commitment
A stylized, blue-tinted image of the U.S. Supreme Court building set against dramatic black and white halftone clouds. The graphic illustrates the judicial branch, constitutional law, and legal rulings, representing the Ford Foundation's analysis of critical court decisions impacting democracy.
A smiling woman, Heather Gerken, with blonde hair, wearing a bright coral blazer. The image is framed by a black-and-red border with text reading "TIME100 PHILANTHROPY 2026 HONOREE." This high-quality photo humanizes our leadership and highlights institutional recognition.
In the press

Heather Gerken Named to  2026 TIME 100 Philanthropy List

Heather Gerken, who took over in November from longtime Ford Foundation president Darren Walker, believes American democracy currently faces what may be its greatest challenge yet.

Heather Gerken poses next to Javier Ciurlizza and 11 other Ford Foundation team members on a terrace with scenic mountains in the background. Colorful floral arrangements frame the scene.
Stories

Reflections From My Visit to Colombia

Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken discusses the work of grantees, leaders, and partners across the region to strengthen civic space and advance climate justice.

J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Videos

The Urgent Work of Our Moment: The Rule of Law & Democracy

Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken joins J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, for a conversation on the importance of strengthening democracy, protecting elections, and upholding the rule of law.

Read more about protecting elections and the rule of law
Portrait of Heather Gerken for the 2026 TIME100 list. She is shown against a black background within a red border featuring the "TIME 100" logo, recognizing her influential leadership and contributions as a legal scholar and Dean of Yale Law School.
In the press – Time

Heather Gerken Named to  2026 TIME 100 Most Influential People List

TIME named Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken to the 2026 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing their impact, innovation, and achievement.

A group portrait of 16 professional staff members posing in two rows in front of a colorful, vibrant mural in Mexico City. The diverse team is seated and standing together, humanizing Ford’s collaborative work with regional partners.
Stories

Reflections From My Visit to Mexico City

Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken discusses the work of grantees, leaders, and partners across Mexico and Central America to strengthen civic space and advance climate justice

A line of people waiting to enter a room, viewed from behind. This image represents voter participation, civic engagement, and democratic access, illustrating the Ford Foundation's commitment to strengthening democracy through new funding for inclusive representation and social justice initiatives.
News

Ford Foundation Adds $60 Million in New Funding to Strengthen Democracy

Ford Foundation announced additional grants to nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations protecting and advancing democracy and the rule of law in the United States.

Heather Gerken smiles while shaking hands with a woman at a professional gathering. This image showcases diverse leadership, networking, and gender justice advocacy during a high-level event focused on global equity and the imperative for systemic social change.
Stories

CSW and the Imperative for Gender Justice

Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken joined the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and hosted events at the foundation to advance gender equality and access to justice.

Featured Conversations

Event graphic for "Toward a Better Politics" featuring Governors Spencer Cox and Josh Shapiro alongside a female moderator. The purple-toned banner includes the date Dec. 9, 2025, at 7pm. Focus keywords: democracy, political leadership, national conversation.
In the press

Toward a Better Politics: Heather Gerken joins conversation on democracy at The National Cathedral

Heather Gerken joins a forum at the Washington National Cathedral on confronting political violence in America, where she discussed how to reject extremism and build a civic life rooted in mutual respect.

Two women, Maribel Pérez Wadsworth (left) and Heather Gerken (right), engage in a fireside chat at the Knight Media Forum 2026. Seated in grey armchairs against a vibrant blue backdrop with the "KF" logo, they discuss the future of journalism and media leadership.
News

ICYMI: Ford Foundation’s Heather Gerken and Knight Foundation’s Maribel Pérez Wadsworth Discuss Philanthropy’s Role In Safeguarding Democracy at Knight Media Forum 2026

At a moment when the First Amendment is under threat, Knight Foundation President and CEO Maribel Pérez Wadsworth sat down with Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation, for a timely conversation on the state of democracy, civic engagement and the role of philanthropy in this critical moment.

A diverse group of fifteen professionals, including international and local leaders, pose together outdoors during a visit to Nigeria. This image highlights global leadership, local empowerment, and collaborative social impact within a professional and community-focused context.
Stories

My Visit to Nigeria and the Power of Local Leadership

It was an honor to be in Nigeria earlier this month to visit our West Africa Office and meet remarkable colleagues, grantees and partners who shape the region’s story.

A group of approximately 30 diverse professionals pose for a group photo in a modern conference room in Nairobi. The participants are dressed in business and traditional attire, representing international development, global leadership, and collaborative networking in an office setting.
Stories

Reflections From My Recent Visit to Nairobi

Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken discusses the work of grantees, leaders, and partners across the region to strengthen democratic institutions and civic space, advocate for gender justice, and more.

Profile portrait of a smiling woman, Heather Gerken, with blonde hair, wearing a bright coral blazer, sitting on a stage during a speaking engagement. The background is dark with a subtle blue curtain.

Reflecting on My First 100 Days

Heather Gerken reflects on her first 100 days as president of the Ford Foundation.

Read more