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
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.
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 a historic and long-needed reckoning over racism and injustice.
Created with Open Society Foundations, National Domestic Workers Alliance among others, the nearly $30-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.
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.
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.
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.