The Ford Foundation has worked as a partner in India’s progress since 1952. In this time, we have been an ally in independent India’s development journey, responding to the evolving needs and aspirations of its people.

Over the past seven decades, we have supported India’s leading institutions of management, technology, science, law, administrative services, public policy, and social impact—many of which are globally recognized and respected. We have partnered to support the country’s key priorities, including public administration, urban planning, food security, women’s empowerment, inclusive education, preservation of heritage arts, revival of regenerative agriculture, and community-led initiatives for the poor.

We believe that a just and equitable society can be achieved by empowering the efforts of people who live and work closest to their regional challenges. This principle is at the core of our work in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and around the world.


The Ford Foundation New Delhi office operates in India as a branch office of the foundation, with the permission of the Reserve Bank of India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act of 2017. We comply with all applicable laws in India, including auditing and disclosure procedures required by the Government of India.

All of the organizations we support in India are regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and all of the grants we make are compliant with the Act.