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.

A digital collage featuring an American flag visible through a grid window in a red brick wall, framed by film borders. Textures of white stars on a blue background and a strip of brown paper tape appear along the edges, representing democracy themes.

Featured Stories

A group of agricultural workers stands together around a wooden trailer filled with harvested fruit in an orchard. They pose along a muddy farm track under a blue sky, illustrating economic governance and labor rights topics.
Stories

ADC: How Economic Governance Can Safeguard Civil Rights in the Age of Big Tech

From fighting inflation data secrecy in 2007 to tackling exploitation of agricultural data today, the Argentine Association for Civil Rights proves that digital rights and economic governance are inseparable from fundamental civil liberties and democratic agency across the Global South.

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 composite collage featuring a woman in glasses with a raised arm, a group of people dancing in red and blue clothing, a film strip showing two women talking, and a green corn plant against a cream background with vintage paper textures.
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.

Collage image of conductor of Detroit Symphony Orchestra alongside a man in a wheelchair working in welding shop alongside an image of a man on the set of Sesame Street.
Stories

Made in the Heartland: 90 Years of Partnership and Progress

Born in Detroit, Ford Foundation remains dedicated to the American Heartland. Through stewardship, civic architecture, and democratic wealth-building, Ford empowers local leaders to drive regional growth. By strengthening institutions and expanding ownership, the Foundation ensures a resilient, inclusive future.

A historical photo of a crowd marching on a hill with a cloudy sky above them.

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.

Stay connected

Make your inbox more interesting. Sign up and receive stories that matter.

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.

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.

A low-angle shot of a grand architectural dome featuring an intricate, coffered ceiling with teal and gold floral patterns. A large semi-circular arched window with a geometric metal grid looks out to a soft sky.
Getty