As a foundation dedicated to protecting and advancing human welfare, we are working to address the evolving impacts of COVID-19 around the world.

A Message from our President

During these uncertain times, our interdependence has become all the more evident. President Darren Walker shares his reflections on the crisis and sheds light on how philanthropy is offering hope and long-term solutions. Read more. 

Our Commitment to Our Grantees

The work of the individuals and organizations we support matters now more than ever. We are working closely with them during this challenging time to understand their needs and provide them with the required support and flexibility to navigate the evolving situation. Read more.

Photo courtesy of National Domestic Workers Alliance

Our Collective Efforts

Our Social Bond

The economic realities brought on by COVID-19 have threatened the survival of the organizations building the systems central to an equitable recovery. In response, we issued a $1-billion social bond—the first ever by a foundation—to double our impact and help nonprofits confront the virus’s sweeping effects.

Racial Justice Grants

The Ford Foundation announced it doubled its funding support for racial justice and civil rights groups with at least $180 million in new funding. The new funding significantly boosts Ford’s ongoing commitment to advancing racial equity at a critical time when America is in an historic and long-needed reckoning over racism and injustice.

22 Foundations and Donors Pledge to Redouble Commitments to Puerto Rico

The Ford Foundation joined twenty-one foundations and major donors that have pledged to redouble their commitments to Puerto Rico as the island and its people continue to recover from 2017's Hurricane Maria, ongoing natural disasters, and the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund

In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, we brought together more than 1,300 donors to raise more than $110 million to support New York’s arts and cultural organizations and nonprofit social service providers during the pandemic. To date, 768 organizations have received support.

Families and Workers Fund

Created with Open Society Foundations, National Domestic Workers Alliance among others, the $20-million fund addresses the immediate needs of low-wage workers and their families and supports efforts that push for long-term policy change to ensure their rights are protected.

America's Food Fund

We partnered with Leonardo DiCaprio, Laurene Powell Jobs and Apple to create the $12-million fund to support World Central Kitchen, Feeding America, No Kid Hungry and other organizations tackling food insecurity in vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19.

Artist Relief Fund

Developed with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the emergency fund raised more than $10 million through a coalition of national arts donors to support creatives struggling in the wake of COVID-19.

Dance Advancement Fund

We teamed up with six other foundations to support Dance NYC’s efforts to fund 25 theaters and dance companies to provide direct assistance to out-of-work dancers in New York.

The Disability Inclusion Fund’s Rapid Response Fund

To meet the urgent needs of the disability community, which was overlooked in COVID-19 responses, we developed a rapid response fund as part of our commitment to the Disability Inclusion Fund, a five-year, $10-million collaborative fund housed at Borealis Philanthropy.

NY Forward Loan Fund

We joined Governor Andrew Cuomo as a partner of this $100-million fund that provides capital loans to small minority- and women-owned businesses, landlords, and nonprofits across New York State that didn't receive federal COVID-19 assistance.

Philanthropy’s Pledge during COVID-19

We spearheaded a philanthropy pledge, bringing together nearly 800 major funders, to provide our nonprofit partners with flexible funding as they support the communities hit hardest by the impacts of the pandemic.

A Call to Release NYC’s Incarcerated

President Darren Walker joined forces with Brooklyn’s district attorney and former New York health commissioner to pen an op-ed for The New York Times to urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to release low-risk prisoners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the News

A roundup of our most recent press related to COVID-19.

Leading Foundations Pledge to Give More

The announcement of our social bond—a $1-billion commitment to support nonprofits weather the effects of COVID-19 and strengthen the social justice sector—made the front page of The New York Times.

Darren Walker on CBS This Morning

President Darren Walker talked with CBS to the inequities exacerbated by the pandemic and the need to support nonprofits on the frontlines that are critical to creating a more just America.

The TED interview

President Darren Walker sat down with TED’s Chris Anderson to talk about COVID-19 as an opportunity to reimagine philanthropy and capitalism to create a more just, sustainable future.

Our global offices

Current status:

  • Bogotá, Colombia: Closed
  • Beijing, China: Open
  • Cairo, Egypt: Closed
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Closed
  • Jakarta, Indonesia: Closed
  • Johannesburg, South Africa: Closed
  • Mexico City, Mexico: Closed
  • Nairobi, Kenya: Closed
  • New Delhi, India: Closed
  • New York, USA: Closed

The Center for Social Justice and Ford Foundation Gallery will be closed until further notice. Learn more about our New York office closure.