Reflections On Democracy: Of, By, and For the People

Conversations with today’s leading visionaries about what a democracy represented by all, shaped by all, and working for all looks like in practice.

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Featured Stories

A wedding invitation card for "Patrice & Gary" features a photo of their ceremony in a garden gazebo. Gary, who uses a wheelchair, and Patrice, in a peach gown, hold hands, illustrating the event's theme of illuminating disability rights and inclusive celebrations.
Stories

The Cost of “I Do” in the Disability Community

Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham cannot afford to marry due to the disability marriage penalty, a discriminatory benefits structure that would cause them to lose SSI and Medicaid. Their story is told in the documentary Patrice: The Movie, showcasing their advocacy for marriage equality and higher SSI asset limits for…

A diverse team from A Better Balance poses together inside a modern office space with large glass windows. The group, advocating for workplace equality and caregiving rights to support democracy, stands and kneels in multiple rows while smiling at the camera.
Stories

A Better Balance: Supporting Democracy By Promoting Workplace and Caregiving Rights

When gaps in workplace laws leave workers vulnerable, A Better Balance helps them navigate complex protections. Through accessible tools and direct helpline support, they empower working families to enforce their rights, secure paid leave, and build lasting economic stability.

A promotional banner with a light blue background and a yellow title box reading "Learning Globally, Leading Locally: Conversations With Ford Global Fellows." It features two women's headshots: Farida Nabourema (left) and Tania Pariona Tarqui (right).
Stories

Visible and Invisible Solidarity: Farida Bemba Nabourema and Tania Pariona Tarqui on Women’s Courage and Belonging

Ford Global Fellows Farida Nabourema and Tania Pariona Tarqui discuss how they have fought discrimination, built supportive networks of women, and guided the next generation of leaders.

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Stories

A Living Legacy of Social Justice at a Global Scale

Marking 90 years, the Ford Foundation has evolved from a local trust into a global catalyst for justice. By investing in institutions, individuals, and ideas, Ford empowers local leaders to solve systemic challenges and build a more dignified, equitable world.

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Ford Foundation at 90

Across nine decades, the Ford Foundation has invested in innovative ideas, visionary individuals, and frontline institutions advancing human dignity around the world.

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Big Ideas

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People-Powered Solutions: Connecting Local Communities and Global Challenges

Ford Foundation is building a people-centered global order. We support local leaders creating a more just and equitable world. Their solutions, powered by Global South voices, break down silos to create lasting global change.

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Make It Count

“Make It Count” features notable grantee leaders in Ford’s network sharing their numbers to know for ending inequality.

Democracy and Rule of Law

Upholding the rule of law, the premise that we all play by the same rules and get equal opportunity in return, is a shared responsibility. We support the people ensuring everyone can access and shape the laws governing their lives.

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