Special Initiatives
Good Neighbor Committee
In 1996, we created the Good Neighbor Committee to support organizations and activities near our headquarters in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City that contribute to the neighborhood's civic spirit and vitality.
Local Support
Like many international organizations, we are often less visible to our immediate neighbors than to people and institutions around the globe. We wanted to change that and strengthen our ties to neighborhood organizations working on problems related to our mission. We were also looking for a way to give staff members who are not grant makers the opportunity to experience the core work of the foundation.
We serve as a resource by:
- Providing grant support for innovative activities in the local area surrounging the foundation
- Encouraging emerging and established organizations to participate in this grant program
- Exploring opportunities for neighborhood-based organizations to get to know each other and exchange ideas and resources
Our target area is between 34th Street and 50th Street across the entire width of Manhattan, from the East River to the Hudson River. Our New York committee is made up of 10 to 15 members who volunteer for two to three years. Committee members come from all divisions of the foundation, including administrative, investment and grant making. The committee is subdivided into three areas: arts and culture, education, and human services.
How to Apply
If your organization is located in, or serves, Midtown Manhattan and you would like to be considered for a grant, send a brief letter of inquiry to goodneighbor@fordfoundation.org.
For additional information, call Susan Hairston at (+1) 212-573-4854.
Regional Committees
Over the years, this program has been so successful that some of our regional offices located around the globe have formed versions of the Good Neighbor Committee. These regional committees address the unique needs of neighbors in their local communities. To learn more, contact each regional office directly.
If your organization is interested in starting its own Good Neighbor Committee, review Building Community Inside & Out With a Good Neighbor Committee a GrantCraft publication.
Share