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

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Stories

The Backbone of America: Understanding the Working Class

The American working class, over 60% of the U.S. labor force, faces precarious work, wage stagnation, and limited benefits despite essential contributions. Worker-led movements are challenging these conditions, with the backing of philanthropic support, to create a more just and sustainable economy.

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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.

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.

Two people are sitting in conversation against a dark curtain background. The group includes, from left to right, Charles Blow in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, and Darren Walker wearing a light blue blazer, striped collar shirt and dark blue slacks.
Big Ideas

Courage and Leadership with Darren Walker

Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, joins Charles Blow to discuss the upcoming release of his latest book, Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share, a reaffirmation of America’s enduring promise and a timely compendium that introduces us to an essential leader of and…

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

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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.

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.

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.