Darren Walker, President
At once relentless and compassionate, Judy Heumann spent her life advocating for people with disabilities and fighting against injustice. Heumann, who passed away at 75, leaves behind a profound legacy marked by a deep understanding of dignity and humanity and a commitment to equality at all costs.
While insurrectionists may have attacked the Brazilian capital, they tried to threaten the very heart of democracy. But the Brazilian people—and their values—remain unbowed.
Ao atacarem a capital do Brasil, os golpistas tentaram ameaçar o coração da democracia. Mas o povo brasileiro e seus valores permanecem em pé.
Silvia Henriquez, Program Officer, Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice
Sarita Gupta, Vice President, US Programs
What does abortion have to do with democracy? On what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we reflect on what led to the reversal of the landmark ruling, what it means for the future of democracy, and why we refuse to give up on reproductive rights.
Ford Foundation
When Roe v. Wade was overturned just seven months shy of its 50th anniversary, revered reproductive rights leaders Oriaku Njoku and Morgan Hopkins took a moment to mourn. Then they got to work, building a bolder, broader movement focused on abortion access for all.
Nicky Le Roux, Program Officer, Southern Africa
After #TheTotalShutdown women’s march brought international attention to gender-based violence in South Africa, its organizers forged an unprecedented collaboration with the country’s president. The path forward hasn’t been easy, but the women behind the movement are determined to see progress made.
Darren Walker, President
On the 105th birthday of Fannie Lou Hamer, we brought together a diverse mix of artists, changemakers and thought leaders to honor her life and learn from her legacy to advance justice everywhere.
Hilary Pennington, Executive Vice President of Programs
Effective January 1, 2023, the Ford Foundation will raise its minimum indirect cost rate applicable to eligible project grants to 25%.
Darren Walker, President
Weaving Resilience is an $80 million initiative to support civil society organizations throughout the Global South. Developed with our partners in eight regions, this initiative will strengthen and connect civil society leaders and organizations on the frontlines of the fight for social justice.
Ford Foundation
Today, the Ford Foundation is pleased to share the first annual update on our COP26 pledge: From January 1, 2021, to June 29, 2022, we approved $68 million in funding to support the tenure rights and forest guardianship of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
Justin Sylvester, Senior Program Officer, Southern Africa
South Africa relies on coal for 87% of its electricity, but it’s at a critical moment after establishing a landmark Climate Commission and committing billions to clean energy. What does a transition to clean energy look like and how do we ensure those most vulnerable get a fair deal?
Darren Walker, President
Following the historic racial reckoning of 2020, the Ford Foundation recognized a need to invest in more movement-building work – an essential catalyst for change that receives a fraction of racial equity funding. As a result, we came to the difficult conclusion to wind down the Ford Fellowships program by 2028.
