OUR MISSION
The Ford Foundation is a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide. Our goals are to:
Strengthen democratic values
Reduce poverty and injustice
Promote international cooperation
Advance human achievement
THESE GOALS HAVE BEEN AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION FOR MORE
THAN HALF A CENTURY.
A FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGE facing every society is to create political,
economic and social systems that promote peace, human welfare and
the sustainability of the environment on which life depends.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE BEST WAY TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE is to encourage initiatives by those living and working closest to the problems; to promote collaboration among the nonprofit, government and business sectors; and to ensure participation by men and women from diverse communities and at all levels of society. In our experience, such activities help build understanding, enhance excellence and enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.
THE FORD FOUNDATION IS ONE SOURCE OF SUPPORT for these activities.
We work mainly by making grants or loans that build knowledge and strengthen organizations and networks. Because our financial resources are modest in comparison with societal needs, we focus on a limited number
of problem areas and program strategies within our broad goals.
CREATED WITH GIFTS AND BEQUESTS by Edsel and Henry Ford, the
foundation is an independent organization, with its own board, and is
entirely separate from the Ford Motor Company. Since its inception, the Ford Foundation has been a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization.
The trustees of the foundation set policy and delegate to the president and senior staff authority for the foundation’s grant making and operations.
PROGRAM OFFICERS in the United States, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Russia explore opportunities to pursue the foundation’s goals, formulate strategies and recommend proposals for funding.