Speeches

Ford Foundation President Susan V. Berresford Testifies Before Congress

Remarks Highlight Foundation’s Longstanding Commitment to Serving America’s Diverse Communities

25 September 2007 — Ford Foundation President Susan V. Berresford testified before a subcommittee of the U.S. Congress today at a hearing examining whether charities and foundations are adequately serving the country's diverse and marginalized communities.

House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-Ga.) said he had called the hearing to help find better ways to identify, reach and serve all Americans.

"Our country is growing. It is becoming more diverse and we are a better nation for that diversity," said Chairman Lewis. "We must make sure that we meet the needs of our diverse residents. ...And we cannot do it alone."

In her testimony, Ms. Berresford emphasized the Ford Foundation's longstanding commitment to creating opportunity and improving lives in minority and low-income communities. She cited Ford-sponsored initiatives that have spurred economic development in urban and rural areas, brought homeownership to tens of thousands of families, strengthened key legal advocacy organizations that safeguard civil rights and opened doors to higher education.

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), a member of the committee, applauded these efforts, saying "The Ford Foundation deserves mighty congratulations in their targeting of minority communities."

The subcommittee also heard from other nonprofit leaders and experts, including Julian Wolpert of Princeton University, Elizabeth T. Boris of the Urban Institute and Kevin M. Brown of the American Red Cross in Washington.

At the close of her statement, Ms. Berresford referred to the Ford Foundation's 70-year record of support for efforts to reduce poverty and injustice. "I am proud that we have this history and such diverse grantee partners helping us reach diverse communities," she said.

Read a copy of Susan V. Berresford's written testimony

View an interactive timeline of the Ford Foundation's 70 years of grant making.