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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.
Featured Stories
The Infrastructure of Trust: How Local Civic Hubs Are Rebuilding Democracy Across Rural America
Trust for Civic Life invests in civic hubs–locally led organizations that allow communities to come together– to rebuild trust and strengthen democracy across the U.S. Heartland.
The National Women’s Law Center
A legal organization advocates for equal pay for women and closing the wage gap across America.
ICYMI: Ford Foundation’s Heather Gerken and Knight Foundation’s Maribel Pérez Wadsworth Discuss Philanthropy’s Role In Safeguarding Democracy at Knight Media Forum 2026
At a moment when the First Amendment is under threat, Knight Foundation President and CEO Maribel Pérez Wadsworth sat down with Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation, for a timely conversation on the state of democracy, civic engagement and the role of philanthropy in this critical moment.
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.
Communities Powering a Just Energy Transition
Ford grantees in South Africa, Indonesia, and Colombia are leading solutions that demonstrate it’s possible for the energy transition to expand access to quality jobs, make energy more affordable and support communities to build economic futures on their own terms.
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Big Ideas
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.
Make It Count
“Make It Count” features notable grantee leaders in Ford’s network sharing their numbers to know for ending inequality.
Made in the Heartland: 90 Years of Partnership and Progress
Ford leaders reflect on the foundation’s legacy of stewardship, civic architecture, and democratic wealth-building.
