To advance human welfare

The Ford Foundation is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to the public well-being. It seeks to identify and contribute to the solution of problems of national or international importance. The Foundation works mainly by granting funds to institutions and organizations for experimental, demonstration, and developmental efforts that give promise of producing significant advances in various fields. As an additional means of accomplishing its philanthropic objectives, the Foundation sometimes makes grants to individuals whose professional talent or experience corresponds with its programs and activities. The Foundation also makes loans to or otherwise invests in enterprises that will advance its program objectives. Occasionally, allocations of funds are managed directly by the Foundation for a specified philanthropic purpose.

The Foundation was established in 1936 by Henry Ford and Edsel Ford and made grants largely to Michigan charitable and educational institutions until 1950, when it moved to a national and international program of giving. The Foundation has had no ties to the Ford family or company for many years.

Including the fiscal year 1992, the Foundation has made commitments totaling more than $7 billion. The recipients have been located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and various foreign countries, especially in less-developed areas.

A Board of Trustees from a variety of fields determines Foundation policy. A professional staff evaluates grant applications, explores means and opportunities to stimulate advances in fields with which the Foundation is concerned, works with prospective grantees, and recommends proposals for approval by the president and by senior staff.