From the President
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Why the Ford Foundation Has Committed $60M in New Funding to Protect Elections
Ford’s new leader, Heather Gerken, a constitutional law scholar, outlines a grant-making strategy designed to battle polarization’s gale-force winds.
Heather Gerken Named to 2026 TIME 100 Most Influential People List
TIME named Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken to the 2026 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, recognizing their impact, innovation, and achievement.
Ford Foundation Adds $60 Million in New Funding to Strengthen Democracy
Ford Foundation announced additional grants to nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations protecting and advancing democracy and the rule of law in the United States.
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.
CSW and the Imperative for Gender Justice
Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken joined the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and hosted events at the foundation to advance gender equality and access to justice.
My Visit to Nigeria and the Power of Local Leadership
It was an honor to be in Nigeria earlier this month to visit our West Africa Office and meet remarkable colleagues, grantees and partners who shape the region’s story.
Reflections From My Recent Visit to Nairobi
Ford Foundation president Heather Gerken discusses the work of grantees, leaders, and partners across the region to strengthen democratic institutions and civic space, advocate for gender justice, and more.
Reflecting on My First 100 Days
Heather Gerken reflects on her first 100 days as president of the Ford Foundation.
Featured Conversations
Toward a Better Politics: Heather Gerken joins conversation on democracy at The National Cathedral
Heather Gerken joins a forum at the Washington National Cathedral on confronting political violence in America, where she discussed how to reject extremism and build a civic life rooted in mutual respect.
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
This week, with a heart full of gratitude, I begin my tenure as the 11th president of the Ford Foundation—the honor of my professional life.
Eight Things to Know About the Ford Foundation’s Incoming President
Ford Foundation has chosen the dean of Yale Law School, Heather Gerken, to replace Darren Walker as its leader.
Ford Foundation’s New Leader Vows to Protect Elections and the Rule of Law
Heather K. Gerken, a voting rights scholar and former dean of Yale Law School, plans to intensify its emphasis on democracy as it girds for attacks.