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Reflections On Democracy: Of, By, and For the People

Engage in conversations with today’s leading visionaries about what a democracy represented by all, shaped by all, and working for all looks like in practice.

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Featured Stories

A white A-frame sign with an American flag and bold text reading "VOTE HERE" stands on a concrete sidewalk outside a polling location as voters walk past during an election.
In the press

The Stakes of America’s 2026 Midterm Elections

American democracy faces renewed threats from government overreach and disinformation. Authors Heather Gerken and Robert Rubin urge leaders across business, academia, philanthropy, and law to stop retreating and actively protect free, fair election processes.

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…

Diverse team of journalists and staff working on laptops in a Deep South Today newsroom meeting, focused on local community reporting.
Stories

Deep South Today: Providing Essential News to Communities

In news desert areas across the United States, Deep South Today provides rigorous reporting to communities to help them make informed decisions and keep leaders accountable. Its coverage is free for any local outlet to carry.

A promotional banner with a light blue background and a yellow title box reading "Learning Globally, Leading Locally: Conversations With Ford Global Fellows." It features two women's headshots: Farida Nabourema (left) and Tania Pariona Tarqui (right).
Stories

Visible and Invisible Solidarity: Farida Bemba Nabourema and Tania Pariona Tarqui on Women’s Courage and Belonging

Ford Global Fellows Farida Nabourema and Tania Pariona Tarqui discuss how they have fought discrimination, built supportive networks of women, and guided the next generation of leaders.

A photo collage depicting essential immigrant labor across key industries, including road construction workers paving asphalt, a night-shift infrastructure operator, an agricultural worker holding freshly harvested strawberries, and a domestic caregiver tending to a child's crib.

Immigrant Talent Powers the American Economy

 Learn why some of the leading proponents of long-term, quality employment for immigrant workers are employers themselves.

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Latest news and press

A white A-frame sign with an American flag and bold text reading "VOTE HERE" stands on a concrete sidewalk outside a polling location as voters walk past during an election.
In the press

The Stakes of America’s 2026 Midterm Elections

A museum gallery displaying two large installations. On the left, multiple screens show various images on a blue patterned wall, with a light wooden chair sculpture in the foreground. On the right, a dark wooden gothic pew connected to several framed paintings stands on a circular platform.
In the press

Press Reviews – Never The Same River

Portrait of Rebecca Cokley.
News

Ford Foundation Promotes Rebecca Cokley to Program Director for U.S. Disability Rights

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Latest stories

Diverse team of journalists and staff working on laptops in a Deep South Today newsroom meeting, focused on local community reporting.
Stories

Deep South Today: Providing Essential News to Communities

A group of diverse leaders and delegates pose together inside a museum hall featuring historical exhibition banners, taken during a visit to South Africa.
Stories

Reflections From My Visit to South Africa

Sidewalk chalk art displaying supportive messages like "Free Jen" and "U R NOT ALONE," alongside birthday drawings including flowers, balloons with "38," and a cake, symbolizing community advocacy and equal access to justice.
Stories

Civil Rights Corps: Championing Equal Access to Justice

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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.

A bright yellow header graphic featuring bold black text that reads "Make It Count," surrounded by colorfully framed headshots of a diverse group of individuals representing leadership, team members, or community advocates.

Make It Count

“Make It Count” features notable grantee leaders in Ford’s network sharing their numbers to know for ending inequality.

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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.

Explore our history