Frequently Asked Questions - Ford Foundation

Is my organization eligible to hold an event or meeting at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice?

The Ford Foundation provides event space to its grantees and nonprofit and partner organizations hosting events that align with the foundation’s values and areas of work.

The space is not available for:

Events with activities or content related to 501(c)(4) organizations, direct or grassroots lobbying, political campaigns, or electoral or partisan themes
Commercial events with profit-making activities
Fundraising
Non-charitable or private events, such as weddings, birthday parties, or fashion shows

How do I book an event space?

Fill out our event application. Once you complete the application, our staff will review the request and inform you of eligibility and availability within 15 business days.

How far in advance can I book an event?

Booking is available to grantees up to 8 months ahead of the requested event date.

For other nonprofits and mission-aligned events, booking is available up to six months ahead of the requested event date.

What time can I host an event?

Regular event hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In special circumstances, events are permitted after 6:00 p.m. incurring extra fees for staffing and building services. Events in the garden must start after 6:00 p.m.

Events are not permitted Friday through Sunday or on U.S. federal holidays.

Are there fees for using an event space?

The foundation does not charge a venue rental fee. Fees apply for catering, dedicated audiovisual support, equipment rentals, additional security, and special event services. For events outside of regular event hours, overtime staffing and building services fees also apply.

Are the building and event spaces accessible?

We are committed to hosting fully accessible events, and each of our event spaces meet ADA accessibility standards. Detailed accessibility information is available on the pages for each event space.

If you are planning or attending an event and have questions about our accommodations and accessibility services, please reach out to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event. We will make every effort to help you fully participate.

How can I secure catering for my event?

The foundation works with an exclusive food and beverage caterer for all meetings and events. Additional food or beverages are not permitted.

Is audiovisual support available?

Audiovisual services and staffing are available from the foundation’s in-house event production team. The foundation is fully equipped to handle most event production but can arrange additional equipment or services if needed. In that case, AV staffing fees will apply.

What kind of event staff support do you offer?

Upon confirming an event, a venue operations team member will be assigned as your main point of contact on-site and throughout the planning process. The foundation also provides audiovisual, catering, security, and janitorial staff for your event. Any additional event staffing, including registration staff, must be provided by the host organization.

What are your health and safety practices during COVID-19?

Visitor guidelines

As a visitor, we ask that you abide by our health and safety protocols, posted signage, and any guidance provided by onsite staff. We reserve the right to request that visitors who do not adhere to our guidelines leave the center.

Because COVID-19 remains highly transmissible, there is an inherent risk of exposure in any public environment. We ask that you help us reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory and infectious diseases by rescheduling your visit if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, including for a cold, flu, RSV, etc. We will continue to monitor the situation and make updates accordingly.

Are there any other policies or guidelines I should be aware of?

Our complete guidelines can be found in the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice event guidelines PDF.

I have other questions. Whom should I contact?

For more information, please email [email protected].