A special section in the current issue of America’s Quarterly explores the role of philanthropy in “sparking and deepening” social, economic and political change across Latin America over the past half-century. It highlights Ford Foundation’s leadership in the region—with profiles of, and contributions from, some of the individuals and organizations who stand with us on the frontlines of social change.

The magazine’s spotlight on Latin America comes as we mark the 50th anniversary of the foundation’s work in the region. Since 1962, we have invested nearly $1 billion in Latin America. In recent years, we have focused on local efforts to address issues of migration, discrimination, the status of indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants, and community land and resource rights.