From the President
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Democracy Is the Unfinished Work
Democracy is a living project of constant renewal. In this essay, Heather Gerken explores how we can expand belonging, deepen civic participation, and protect the bedrock values of the American experiment.
The Stakes of America’s 2026 Midterm Elections
American democracy faces renewed threats from government overreach and disinformation. Authors Heather Gerken and Robert Rubin urge leaders across business, academia, philanthropy, and law to stop retreating and actively protect free, fair election processes.
Reflections From My Visit to South Africa
Heather Gerken’s recent visit to South Africa highlighted powerful grassroots efforts to advance justice. From Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, local partners are confronting systemic inequalities, defending human rights, and advancing crucial democratic governance and just transition initiatives.
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.
Highlights From My Visit to the 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival
Reflecting on the Aspen Ideas Festival, Heather Gerken recaps her panels on bridge-building with the “Be the People” campaign and her moderation of a vital discussion on voting rights and safeguarding democracy.
Reflections From My Visit to Brazil
Heather Gerken’s recent visit to Brazil highlighted powerful grassroots efforts to advance justice. From Rio to São Paulo, local leaders are confronting systemic racism, defending democracy, and advancing crucial human rights and environmental justice initiatives.
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.
Reflections From My Visit to Indonesia
During my recent visit to our office in Jakarta, I met with grantees and leaders across the region who are pioneering natural resources and climate justice strategies, strengthening civic space and impact investing.
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.
Featured Conversations
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reflecting on My First 100 Days
Heather Gerken reflects on her first 100 days as president of the Ford Foundation.