Courage and Leadership with Darren Walker

Ford president Darren Walker discusses the upcoming release of his book The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share.

Two men sit in leather chairs on a stage, facing each other and smiling. The man on the left, Charles Blow, is in a dark suit, holding papers. The man on the right, Darren Walker, wears a light blue jacket and glasses.

Featured Stories

A woman sitting at a table extends her arm to shake hands with another person across from her in an office meeting room.

Disability Rights Moves Forward

Ford Foundation Vice President of International Programs Martín Abregú discusses Ford’s $15 million commitment to global disability funding and urges other philanthropies to join Ford in integrating disability inclusive funding…

Performer at the microphone wearing a blue suit at the Moth storytelling event at the Ford mainstage at The Ledesi at Joburg Theatre. A violist, wearing black and white, is sitting on a stool in the background.
Stories

Stories of Change: Inside The Moth and Ford’s Storytelling Training for Nonprofits

When leaders share personal stories, they can amplify their organizations’ impact, fuel advocacy and influence, engage stakeholders, and catalyze new funding opportunities.

A Vital Strategies team stands and smiles in front of a mobile healthcare van at a mobile harm reduction site. The van has a large awning with string lights. A table displays promotional materials and healthcare items. Trees and additional tables are visible in the background.
Stories

Harm Reduction in the Heartland: Combating the Opioid Crisis in Appalachia

The opioid crisis affects people of every race, class, and location, and it continues to be a public health crisis. In Kentucky, three of our grantees are working with state and local governments and community members to bring resources and support to those who need it most.

Portrait of Richard Verna
News

Ford Foundation Appoints Richard R. Verma to Board of Trustees

Ford Foundation Appoints Richard R. Verma to Board of Trustees

The 11th President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken
John Nienhuis

 Ford Foundation Announces Heather Gerken as New President

Heather Gerken will become the 11th president of the Ford Foundation, succeeding Darren Walker in November 2025.

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Big Ideas

Multi-colored collage with the words "Make It Count" against a blue strip.

Make It Count

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

Portrait of Charles Blow with the text "Ideas at Ford with Charles Blow" next to it

Ideas at Ford

A conversation series exploring complex social justice issues and solutions.

Degrees of Change: Innovations in the Fight Against Extreme Heat

Learn how Ford grantees are fighting for worker protections in the face of rising temperatures.

A split-level image shows a person in a hard hat looking left, with a large, warm-toned circle behind them. Below is a bar chart and calendar months. To the right, another person plants a tree.