Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to our mission and to who we are as a foundation. To address the challenges of a complex—and increasingly diverse—world, we need to make sure every person has a voice and a seat at the table. While we strive to build a future grounded in justice, we know tackling inequality around the globe begins at home. We are committed to not only creating a diverse team where everyone feels represented and respected but also embedding these values across our work and philanthropy at large.
Values in action
Diversity, equity and inclusion can have many definitions, but here’s what they mean to us.
Diversity is the representation of all our varied individual and collective identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.). We proactively seek out and engage with a variety of perspectives because we believe we can only advance justice when we affirm our similarities and understand and find value in our differences.
Equity seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all. We believe achieving equity is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.
Inclusion builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. We believe that no one person can or should be called upon to represent an entire community.
DEI at Ford
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion starts with our people and culture. By creating a foundation where everyone feels welcome and committing to a work environment that models the change we hope to create in the world, we believe we can become more impactful at tackling society’s biggest challenges.
Learn more about the values core to our mission, our policies, and what representation looks like at Ford, from our trustees to our program officers.
Funding with a DEI lens
We believe inequality is at the root of every injustice. That’s why it’s essential diversity, equity and inclusion live across all of our work. We support a wide range of individuals and organizations working across the DEI ecosystem, critically review our grantmaking practices to better understand and shift the power in funding, and collaborate with partners, such as the President’s Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, that understand the intersections of social justice and the need to democratize philanthropy.
Learn more about our efforts to integrate DEI into our funding, storytelling and work across philanthropy.