Just Matters

The intersecting crises of climate change and inequality threaten to make an outmoded vision of perpetuity, at best, obsolete—and, at worst, destructive. We must join together, with urgency and purpose, to ensure the work of justice lives on in perpetuity, as does the planet on which our very survival depends.

Ford Foundation president Darren Walker’s tribute in memory of his friend, Gen. Colin Powell

At Ford, we’re no strangers to the heat. But we know what we’re fighting for—a democracy that fulfills the American founding ideal of representation. Inclusion is patriotic, and together, we can build a truly equal society that extends the promise of America to all.

A son of the South, Darren Walker reflects on the US South, both past and present, and its role in catalyzing social justice movements that have shaped the region—and America at large.

On the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Darren Walker reflects on his death as a reaffirmation of our shared humanity and calls for us to carry on the work to dismantle systemic racism in solidarity.

Derek Chauvin’s verdict is a victory for accountability and shows what’s possible if we keep doing the work of dismantling systemic racism and transforming public safety. This work remains urgent—and requires tenacity.

Vartan Gregorian’s life and career helped shape higher education and philanthropy—and had a profound impact on Darren Walker.

We share a singular and sacred duty to protect the right to vote—to safeguard our government of the people, by the people, for the people. In response to Georgia’s restrictive voting laws, Darren Walker joins more than 700 leaders in defense of democracy to protect every American’s right to vote.

Before coronavirus, and post—years from now, that is how this period will be remembered. Racism and inequity cannot define the coming era as they have in the past. The work starts with collective action.

Over the last year, hate-fueled attacks against Asian Americans have spiked by 150 percent in major US cities with the most deadly taking place this week in Atlanta. But anti-Asian racism has been an American fixture for centuries, threatening democracy and the promise of equality.

How can employers help curb the pandemic? By valuing workers. Darren Walker and Chuck Robbins lay out how safety measures like paid sick leave and protective equipment are not only key to fighting COVID-19, but are also part of a larger movement demanding equitable conditions for workers.

As a new administration enters the White House, President Darren Walker takes a step back to reflect on the last four years and what lies ahead for America and the future of democracy.

As the world watched America’s Capitol stormed and its very ideal of democracy attacked, president Darren Walker reflects on the white supremacy that has not only plagued US politics for centuries but also thwarted the country’s chances at living up to its promise.

​As America faces a pandemic of pandemics, the very idea of democracy is being tested. As the country mourns and works to move forward, President Darren Walker makes the case for moral leadership to reimagine a future grounded in equality and justice for all.

Darren Walker reflects on the resolve and righteousness of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her 87-year legacy as a champion for justice, equality and women’s rights.

As the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, president Darren Walker reflects on the movement that made it all possible and why integrating disability into the fight for justice is the only path to achieve equality for all.

Congressman John Lewis was a righteous force for a more American United States and a fairer, better world. President Darren Walker reflects on the life of the civil rights icon and his legacy of good troublemaking.

The world has been confronted with a confluence of crises, but the economic realities brought on by COVID-19 threaten the very survival of the organizations on the frontlines, the nonprofits fighting for justice and tirelessly working toward a just, equitable recovery. Reflecting on this unprecedented moment, President Darren Walker explains why extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, starting with a bold step from philanthropy.

Ford President Darren Walker reflects on the murder of George Floyd, the uprisings that have spread across America as a result, and the country’s long history of racial injustice.

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, President Darren Walker finds hope and strength in our interconnectedness and calls us to come together with urgency and compassion to address the pandemic’s immediate and yet-to-be-known consequences.

President Darren Walker talks about the sacrifice, struggle and the need to embrace urgency to move forward in 2020 and bring the world closer to justice.

Darren Walker reflects on the need for nuance amid an era of extremism in order to address society’s most pernicious challenges: “We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of progress. Within complexity and nuance, we find hope for the year ahead.”

We mourn the loss of Kevin Roche, the architect behind some of the world’s most remarkable buildings—including the Ford Foundation’s own.

Later this year, our esteemed program vice president, Xav Briggs, will depart the foundation to return to the frontlines of social change.

Philanthropy is not immune from the plague of inequality, Darren Walker writes in his annual letter. If we are to be legitimate participants in the fight against it, there is urgency to our embracing this truth.

The renewed building will be a unique asset for champions of social justice across sectors and geographies—a vibrant, fully accessible hub with 54,000 square feet of meeting space for use by people and organizations advancing change in the US and globally.

Addressing the future of work is central to our mission, and also essential to the stability and success of our democracy.

In a New Year's message, Darren Walker reflects on why justice is more important than American "greatness", and how that impacts our work.

El presidente de la Fundación Ford, Darren Walker, nos pide que tengamos el valor moral de defender nuestros valores democráticos más esenciales.

Earlier this summer, the Ford Foundation launched an interactive tool called Your American Dream Score, which aims to help each of us examine the factors that have helped us succeed or held us back, and to start conversations about the role of inequality and opportunity in our lives.

Ford Foundation President Darren Walker calls on us all to have the moral courage to stand up for our most essential democratic values.

Darren Walker reflects on four of his commencement speeches, addressing how around the world, democracy and democratic values are under siege, and our responsibilities to protect democracy. 

The Ford Foundation is committing up to $1 billion from its $12 billion endowment over the next 10 years to the nascent investment field known as mission-related investing.

In a New Year's message, Darren Walker reminds us that we share a human aspiration to live in dignity.

According to a new research report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy, 67 percent of foundations say they should listen more to grantees.

Darren Walker writes about finding hope amid the global challenges of 2016.

Darren Walker on how ignorance can fuel inequality, and learning from our oversights can forge a way towards justice.

Foundation presidents acknowledge the courageous organizations working every day to push past despair and create change. #reasonsforhope

The Ford Foundation's new strategy to support institutions and networks, and to strengthen civil society, ensuring that the courageous people within it have what they need to fight for a more just and equitable world.

Darren Walker announces the launch of #InequalityIs, a conversation about inequality in all its forms.

The New Yorker profiles Darren Walker and his leadership in rethinking philanthropy and defining a new strategy to combat inequality.

We're transforming our landmark building into a center for philanthropy and civil society.

Today, the Ford Foundation’s two-year transition is over. Darren Walker explains the details of FordForward.

Ford's president takes question on a live facebook chat.

In his annual message, Darren Walker explains why now is the time for philanthropy to reimagine the "gospel of giving."

Celebrating the transformative work of the National Arts and Humanities Medalists.

Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, pays tribute to civil rights leader Julian Bond.

Supporting institutions at their core, through critical general support, is the key to building durable, resilient institutions that can take on inequality and advance justice.

We are making some big changes—but what will never change is our commitment to supporting those closest to the problems, engaging collaboratively with every sector, and pursuing the cause of justice and dignity for all people.

Darren addresses three graduating classes at three commencement ceremonies.

An example of true leadership development and community building.

Darren Walker shares his reflections from the celebration in Selma.

Unlikely partners come together to support the formation of the Coalition for Public Safety, created to reform the criminal justice system.

Darren Walker offers his reflections: in light of the 2014 shootings of young black men, there is still hope.

Learn about Ford's commitment to Detroit.

All voices should be heard, that's why in partnership with Mozilla, Ford launched the Ford-Mozilla Open Web Fellows Program.

The Ford Forum presents conversations with change makers about their ideas for reshaping our fundamental systems for greater good.

Learn more about the four social justice leaders who received the 2014 MacArthur Fellowship.

Darren Walker reflects on his first twelve months as president of the Ford Foundation, and provides his thoughts for the future of the organization.

President Darren Walker shares his 2014 summer reading list.

Learn how and why Ford used crowdsourcing to help frame its new website.

Read Darren Walker's response to a series of articles found in the Standford Social Innovation Review where the authors argue that foundations can employ a more nuanced model of strategic giving that better suits the complexities of making change in the real world.