The Urgent Work of Our Moment

Equality has long been Ford’s touchstone. It is democracy’s touchstone as well.

Portrait of Heather Gerken

Featured Stories

J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Videos

The Urgent Work of Our Moment: The Rule of Law & Democracy

Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken joins J. Michael Luttig, former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, for a conversation on the importance of strengthening democracy, protecting elections, and upholding the rule of law.

An image of Traci Morris and Matthew Rantanen, separated by a Wi-Fi symbol filled with flowers, against a vibrant, pink and red background.
Stories

Tribal Digital Sovereignty: How Native Communities Are Powering Their Own Tech Future

The severe broadband gap on Tribal lands is an example of the lack of self-determination and vital services Tribal communities experience. Tribal Digital Sovereignty—holistic governance over digital assets and infrastructure—is essential for Native Nations to build a just tech future.

A promotional banner with an orange background and a yellow title box reading "Learning Globally, Leading Locally: Conversations With Ford Global Fellows." It features two men's headshots: Ivo Cipio Aureliano (left) and Nkosikhona Swaartbooi (right).
Stories

Healing Communities, Building Bridges: Ivo Cípio Aureliano and Nkosikhona Swaartbooi

A conversation about transforming communities and honoring ancestral wisdom with Ford Global Fellows Ivo Cípio Aureliano and Nkosikhona Swaartbooi, whose work combines organizational development and repairing trauma.

A layered collage with a grainy texture. In the center, a woman with a raised fist stands in front of a sun. In the foreground, a boat with people floats in water. Two other women are on either side.
Stories

Afro-Descendant Peoples Seek Climate Justice on the Global Stage

Afro-descendant communities across Latin America have long played a crucial role in climate mitigation, maintaining traditional practices in harmony with nature. They seek recognition on the global stage.

Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken in a navy coat with gold buttons standing in the foundation's atrium garden.
Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

New York Times: Ford Foundation’s New Leader Vows to Protect Elections and the Rule of Law

Heather Gerken said that Ford, which has a long history of supporting social justice and civil rights initiatives, is undeterred.

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Big Ideas

A stylized illustration of a stack of hands of various skin tones holding up a glowing lightbulb. The lightbulb's filament is a map of the world, and it emits bright yellow light rays against a yellow background.

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.

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.

The Backbone of America: Understanding the Working Class

Understanding America’s working class—defined as individuals without a four-year college degree—is central to our democracy’s strength and our society’s well-being.

Silhouettes of construction workers against a yellow background with a pink border.
Getty