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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.

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Featured Stories

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 for our moment.

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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 graphic with two headshots of people, a woman named Keamogetswe Seipato and a man named Tawanda Mugari. The background is light blue with abstract shapes. Text on the left reads "Conversations With Ford Global Fellows."
Stories

Understanding a Polarized World: Keamogetswe Seipato and Tawanda Mugari

A conversation about understanding a polarized world with Ford Global Fellows Keamogetswe Seipato and Tawanda Mugari, whose partnership demonstrates the impact of pan-African solidarity and collaborative leadership.

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News

Foundations Commit $36.5 Million in Emergency Funding to Protect Public Media in Vulnerable Communities

Knight Foundation, Pivotal, the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, the Schmidt Family Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation join forces to support local public radio and television stations after loss of…

The 11th President of the Ford Foundation, Heather Gerken
John Nienhuis

 Ford Foundation Announces Heather Gerken as New President

Heather Gerken will become the 11th president of the Ford Foundation, succeeding Darren Walker in November 2025.

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Latest news and press

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In the press

A new era of Indian philanthropy

A book cover for "The Idea of America" by Darren Walker. A headshot of Darren Walker is in a golden circle beside the book.
News

Darren Walker Releases The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share

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News

Ximena Andión Ibañez, nueva Directora Regional para la Oficina de México y Centromérica

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Latest stories

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Stories

Luciana Viegas: Expanding Opportunities for Black Disabled People Worldwide

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Stories

Akina Mama wa Afrika: Supporting Four Decades of Feminist Leadership in Africa

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Stories

International Justice Clinic, UCI Law: Protecting Digital Rights and Furthering Accountability Worldwide

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Big Ideas

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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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Ideas at Ford

A conversation series exploring complex social justice issues and solutions.

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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.

Protect workers
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