Andean Region and Southern Cone

Overview

Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from participating in their societies will help build a more just and sustainable future for the Andean Region and Southern Cone.

The Regional Context

As democratic reforms take root across the Andean Region and Southern Cone, the countries we serve stand at a critical crossroads.

Despite evidence of progress—including more resilient economies and the stabilization of electoral regimes—millions of citizens, particularly indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and women, are still shut out of opportunities to earn a decent living or participate in the governments that are meant to represent them.

As a result, widespread poverty and inequality persist, undermining the potential for recent progress to bring long-term security and prosperity to the region.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to combat social and political exclusion and challenge racial discrimination.

We believe that tackling discrimination and social exclusion can serve as the linchpin for unleashing broader and more equitable development across the region.

What We're Doing

Our work focuses on:

Building the leadership necessary to confront social and political exclusion
Promoting smart, effective public policies to combat discrimination
Supporting thoughtful approaches to help more people overcome poverty
Developing innovative ways to engage the business community in new solutions
Ensuring universities, government agencies and civil society groups are more inclusive of women and minorities

Our grant making in the region is pursued through the following initiatives.

Issue	Initiative
Democratic and Accountable Government	Promoting Transparent, Effective and Accountable Government
Human Rights	Advancing Racial Justice and Minority Rights
Economic Fairness	Building Economic Security Over a Lifetime Expanding Livelihood Opportunities for Poor Households
Educational Opportunity and Scholarship	Advancing Higher Education Access and Success

From the Newsroom

News from Ford: Ford Foundation Appoints Myriam Méndez-Montalvo and Nilcéa Freire to Lead Its Work in South America Two distinguished international leaders bring their skills, passion and knowledge to regional work
In the Headlines: Wall Street Journal on Ford Foundation Visionaries Awards Coverage on the $100,000 awards for 12 remarkable social-change leaders
News from Ford: Twelve Social Change Visionaries Are Honored by the Ford Foundation ‘Visionaries Awards’ mark 75 years of support for courageous leaders worldwide, working in fields ranging from technology to human rights to microfinance