Brazil

Overview

Democratic progress is a key component to achieve the economic and social justice changes necessary for Brazil to fulfill its national potential.

The Regional Context

The end of military dictatorship in 1985 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1988 provided Brazil with a solid foundation for the growth of a vibrant democracy. This has led to sweeping social progress: infant mortality has dropped almost in half since 1990, and enrollment in basic education reached 97 percent in 2005.

Despite this progress, much of Brazil's wealth is still highly concentrated. With the 10th largest economy in the world, Brazil still has 57 million citizens living below the poverty line, and more than 25 million living in extreme poverty. Crime and violence kills thousands of Brazilians every year, and land ownership remains concentrated in the hands of the rich and powerful. People of color, in particular, continue to face discrimination and exclusion from decision-making processes and are underrepresented in key institutions.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to tackle structural policies that deepen inequalities faced by marginalized groups.

We believe addressing these policies and institutions that perpetuate inequalities will help create a process for broader social justice change, where vulnerable groups across the country will have the opportunity to explore their potential and capacity for accessing public services and protecting their fundamental rights.

What We're Doing

We work with universities, government agencies, civil society groups and other key institutions to better represent the interests of the underrepresented, including Afro-Brazilians, indigenous peoples and women.

We focus on:

Strengthening enforcement of the justice and rights systems
Securing land rights and sustainable natural resources use
Promoting a balance between freedom of expression and media regulation
Strengthening Afro-Brazilians and Indigenous people's organizations and leadership

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 Strengthening Human Rights Worldwide
Sustainable Development	Expanding Community Rights Over Natural Resources
Educational Opportunity and Scholarship	Advancing Higher Education Access And Success
Freedom of Expression	Advancing Media Rights And Access

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: Sustainable Development Director on Putting People First Worldwatch Institute blogs two-part in-depth interview with David Kaimowitz
News from Ford: Ford Foundation Commits $85 Million to Advance Rural Land Rights and Reduce Climate Change Five-year program aims to empower rural communities in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on natural resources
In the Headlines: Letter to the Editor: On Natural Resource Stewardship Ford Foundation Director of Sustainable Development responds to recent New York Times article
In the Headlines: Heroes of the Environment 2009 Time magazine features Ford grantee's work to advance indigenous peoples' rights to land and natural resources