About us
We believe in the inherent dignity of all people. But around the world, too many people are excluded from the political, economic, and social institutions that shape their lives.
Across eight decades, our mission has sought to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.
Learn more about our mission, our values and culture, and how we approach our work.
Our history
Over the past 80 years we have invested in innovative ideas, visionary individuals, and frontline institutions advancing human dignity around the world. Our social justice mission and vision have guided us through transformations in the foundation, the communities we serve, and the world at large.
EXPLORE OUR LEGACY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE »
LEARN ABOUT OUR ORIGINS »
LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO DETROIT »
Our leadership
The foundation is governed by a distinguished and diverse 16-member Board of Trustees, which includes our president. Our grant making is led by directors and regional representatives with expertise in their fields and a profound commitment to social change.
MEET OUR LEADERS »
How our endowment works
Learn what makes us different from public charities, where our original endowment came from, and how—through careful stewardship of our assets—we will be able to keep our mission alive for years to come.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Governance policies and financial statements
We believe in transparency—both within the foundation and in philanthropy at large—and have made available extensive information about our governance, operations, and finances.
Our operations are guided by a set of policies relating to grant making, geographic focus, spending, investment, management, governance, and professional standards.
REVIEW OUR GOVERNANCE POLICIES »
In all our investments and budgeting, our highest priority is making sure that our grantees have the resources they need to address today’s most pressing challenges.
VIEW FINANCIAL STATEMENTS »
Transforming our building
For fifty years, the foundation’s headquarters has been a gem of New York architecture and a beacon for the social justice community. In October 2016, we began a major renovation and restoration project that will reinvigorate our building’s mission.
Learn more
In the meantime, we have relocated to temporary offices at 1440 Broadway.
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United States
West Africa
Brazil
India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
Southern Africa
Mexico and Central America
Andean Region
Middle East and North Africa
Eastern Africa
China
Indonesia
1440 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
USA
PO Box 2368 Marina
Lagos, Nigeria
Praia do Flamengo 154, 8° andar
CEP 22210-030
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Brazil
55 Lodi Estate
New Delhi 110 003, India
PO Box 521115
Saxonwold 2132
Johannesburg, South Africa
Emilio Castelar 131
Colonia Polanco
11560 Mexico, DF
Nueve 5, Suite 701
Calle 95 N. 14-45
Bogotá D.C., Colombia
PO Box 2344
Cairo, Egypt
PO Box 41081, 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
International Club Office Building
Suite 501
Jianguomenwai Dajie No. 21
Beijing, China 100020
Sequis Center, 11th Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman 71
Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Good Neighbor Committee
Since 1996, the foundation’s Good Neighbor Committee has supported organizations and activities near our headquarters, in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York, that contribute to the neighborhood's civic spirit and vitality. The committee’s work strengthens our ties to our immediate neighbors and connects us to local organizations working on problems related to our mission.
This program has been so successful that some of our regional offices in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have formed their own Good Neighbor Committees.