Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to our mission of tackling inequality. Before we can build a more just future, we recognize we must establish a workforce that reflects the world we live in and hope to create. We are dedicated to building a foundation grounded in respect and dignity where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Since 2015, we have taken action to embed the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) throughout the foundation’s culture, systems, and practices.
We have strengthened our ability to recruit and retain exemplary diverse staff and leadership. We have undertaken reviews and audits of pay, policies, practices, and procedures to support our values and enable our employees to do their best work. We have established more than 10 employee-led resource groups to enable team members from different levels and departments to speak freely, build community, learn together and deepen our collective equity and inclusion practices. We continue to fund organizations and work with partners that share our values and commitment to DEI. And we are working to ensure our building meets the highest standards of openness, accessibility and sustainability.
While we have more work to do, we’re seeing results. Below is a snapshot of Ford’s diverse workforce pulled from our annual report on diversity, equity and inclusion.
2021 Results
Trustees
54%
People of color
Executive Leadership
78%
People of color
Directors
47%
People of color
Promotions
70%
People of color
Trustees
54%
Women
Executive Leadership
67%
Women
Directors
54%
Women
Promotions
70%
Women
Data as of December 2020. Representation of people of color reported for US staff only.
Every year, we undertake a foundation-wide analysis of our ongoing efforts to build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable future, both internally and externally. The purpose of this report is to articulate our approach, share our progress, and acknowledge our opportunities for learning and growth.
For our report, we participated in a survey of DEI practices conducted by The Croner Company that looks at 33 large foundations with assets greater than $2 billion, 16 of which submitted data.
The Ford Foundation, by gender
All Staff
Trustees
Executive Leadership Team
Directors
Program Officers
The Ford Foundation, by Race and Ethnicity
Data reported for US staff only
All Staff
Executive Leadership Team
Directors
Program Officers
Operations Managers