For Juneteenth, Darren Walker spoke at Monticello—home of Thomas Jefferson—about America’s greatest ideals and the paradoxical, enduring legacy of slavery in America.
For centuries, cultures across the world have recognized the fluidity of gender and celebrated gender nonconformity. To advance justice and truly achieve equality, we need to understand the systems and structures throughout history that have boxed people into false binaries and expand our definition of gender.
The disability community is a powerful ally in the fight for voting rights, but its needs are often overlooked at polling places. When disabled voters partner with the civil rights movement and have the accessibility they need at the polls, they can become an even more powerful force to advance justice and democracy.
As Russia escalates its attacks on Ukraine, we are being confronted once again with the defining conflict of our time: the great contest between authoritarian rule and democratic values. Ukraine holds a warning for the world over and we must act now to protect the future of global democracy.
As part of our efforts to advance a more just, multiracial democracy, we are merging our Cities and States program with our Civic Engagement and Government work in the U.S. to become a single, expanded area of impactful grantmaking.
In a rapidly diversifying South, these leaders are advocating for a new vision for the region—rooted in equity, justice, and belonging for all.
On the 20th anniversary, we reflect on what we’ve learned since 9/11, the movement for justice led by Black, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities to combat the xenophobia that followed, and how we can apply those lessons to the crises facing America today.
Ten years after the Arab Spring, lingering injustices and continued conflict test and inspire artists across the Middle East and North Africa. Meet six artists who tell the story of the region and remind us that humanity transcends borders.
At Ford, we’re no strangers to the heat. But we know what we’re fighting for—a democracy that fulfills the American founding ideal of representation. Inclusion is patriotic, and together, we can build a truly equal society that extends the promise of America to all.
A son of the South, Darren Walker reflects on the US South, both past and present, and its role in catalyzing social justice movements that have shaped the region—and America at large.
When a South Africa organization suddenly found itself without a leader, its top researcher stepped up and steered the organization through the crisis—all with a little help from BUILD.
On the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, Darren Walker reflects on his death as a reaffirmation of our shared humanity and calls for us to carry on the work to dismantle systemic racism in solidarity.
Derek Chauvin’s verdict is a victory for accountability and shows what’s possible if we keep doing the work of dismantling systemic racism and transforming public safety. This work remains urgent—and requires tenacity.
We share a singular and sacred duty to protect the right to vote—to safeguard our government of the people, by the people, for the people. In response to Georgia’s restrictive voting laws, Darren Walker joins more than 700 leaders in defense of democracy to protect every American’s right to vote.
Over the last year, hate-fueled attacks against Asian Americans have spiked by 150 percent in major US cities with the most deadly taking place this week in Atlanta. But anti-Asian racism has been an American fixture for centuries, threatening democracy and the promise of equality.
As a new administration enters the White House, President Darren Walker takes a step back to reflect on the last four years and what lies ahead for America and the future of democracy.
It’s a familiar cycle: money and attention swoop into swing states during an election, then leave without any lasting benefit for local communities. But advocacy groups are shifting the paradigm by building the power of people too often neglected by political machinery.
When Dorian Warren joined his mother, a public school teacher, to protest as a child, he never thought he’d go on to become someone who transforms communities. Through years of door-knocking, organizing and now running Community Change, he’s delivering big wins on issues that affect every American.
As the world watched America’s Capitol stormed and its very ideal of democracy attacked, president Darren Walker reflects on the white supremacy that has not only plagued US politics for centuries but also thwarted the country’s chances at living up to its promise.
As America faces a pandemic of pandemics, the very idea of democracy is being tested. As the country mourns and works to move forward, President Darren Walker makes the case for moral leadership to reimagine a future grounded in equality and justice for all.
Integrating inclusion and the values of disability justice into your work, whether as a philanthropy or an organization, is hard, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. We share our journey thus far, the lessons we’ve learned along the way and why our commitment is stronger than ever today.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, activists Judy Heumann and Katherine Perez share what the law means to them, the evolution of the disability rights movement, and why disability justice is the future.
In Indonesia, the convergence of policy and technology is improving the lives of millions of people.
In an executive order, Governor Andrew Cuomo restored voting rights to over 24,000 New Yorkers currently on parole. It's an important step forward for criminal justice reform, for voting rights, and for racial justice.
On view now in NYC, the Defend Puerto Rico exhibition uses traditional and emerging media formats and technologies to illustrate the experiences of Puerto Ricans across the diaspora.
The right to protest has always been essential to movements for human rights and social justice. But around the world, there is a big gap between the promise of that right, and its reality.
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz champions the inventive ways communities are negotiating the pressures of the global marketplace while protecting traditions and natural ecosystems.
Rebecca Blank makes the case that strong institutions can improve the functioning of markets and protect social goods.
Robert Shiller posits that the most successful societies are also the most inclusive and argues for greater safeguards against wealth destruction in the housing market.
Protecting human rights defenders and social leaders in Colombia—like Temistocles Machado, who was killed last month—remains an uphill battle.
Todo comenzó con un grupo de chat entre amigos en WhatsApp, quienes buscábamos la manera de ayudar a los afectados por el terremoto.
Kevin Ryan joined the Ford Foundation’s Equitable Development team earlier this year, leading our grant making in Detroit. Here, the Detroit native talks about his family’s history in the city and region, the changes he’s seen in Detroit over the years, and the shape and scope of the foundation’s grant making there.
It all started with a WhatsApp group chat between friends looking for ways to help those affected by the quake.
Universal free school lunch is a simple but radical idea. It removes stigma, improves children’s health and education, and helps low-income families make ends meet. Because it is one system, it also simplifies administrative processes, allowing schools, principals, and teachers to focus on teaching.
Around the world, corporations are using Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to silence environmental activists.
Darren Walker reflects on four of his commencement speeches, addressing how around the world, democracy and democratic values are under siege, and our responsibilities to protect democracy.
The Internet is increasingly automated, sometimes by programs that have ill intentions toward social justice organizations. Learn what you and your organization should be aware of if you use the Internet.
The Ford Foundation will continue to be a major funder in this field, supporting human rights actors and practices within all our efforts to overcome inequality.
The global refugee crisis poses a range of challenges to host countries but also economic and cultural opportunities. Policy solutions that ensure refugees’ dignity and help build their skills, talents, and assets will ensure that migrants can live full lives and contribute to their new communities.
El Salvador's Congress voted to prohibit metallic mining, putting aside their differences to protect human health and the environment.
Attitudes around drug use are changing and the "War on Drugs" has failed—especially in communities of color. Updated policy is needed to create a more humane drug policy.
Bringing the Truth Home tells the story of the 34 miners shot down in Marikana during their strike for a living wage in 2012, attempting to right the prevailing narrative.
It has now been a year since the courageous environmental activist and indigenous leader Berta Cáceres was murdered in Honduras, and those responsible still have not been brought to justice.
The power of the Women’s March can't be sustained without people coming together to resist the sources not only of their own oppression but also of each other’s.
The Ford Foundation is looking for technologists to join our grant-making teams and help them advance social justice and challenge inequality.
How can creative and documentary work help build a fairer and more just society?
We need an immigrant rights movement that decreases fear and expands opportunities for all.
In a New Year's message, Darren Walker reminds us that we share a human aspiration to live in dignity.
The Ford Foundation recognizes four grantees that recently received special awards for their work and dedication to advancing human rights
According to a new research report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy, 67 percent of foundations say they should listen more to grantees.
America Divided, a new documentary series from EPIX, explores narratives around inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system.
Ford Foundation staff recap Episode 5 of America Divided and discuss domestic workers' rights and voter suppression
Ford Foundation staff recap episode 4 of America Divided and discuss the influence of big money in politics and protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants.
The Ford Foundation recaps episode 2 of America Divided, a docu-series about rising inequality in the United States.
The first episode of America Divided, a new documentary series from EPIX, explores three issues of American inequality: our nation's broken criminal justice system, the Flint water crisis, and housing issues in New York City.
El 5 de septiembre de 2016, la Fundación Ford abrirá una nueva oficina regional en Bogotá (Colombia), la cual se convertirá en la sede central de nuestras labores en la Región Andina. Javier Ciurlizza, director de la fundación para esta región, habla sobre la estrategia que motivó el traslado, así como la desigualdad en Colombia, el histórico acuerdo de paz y lo que le espera a la región en el futuro.
The worst-hit countries were Brazil, Colombia, and the Philippines, and nearly 40 percent of victims were members of indigenous groups.
The ceasefire between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas ends 50 years of conflict and creates an opportunity to make Colombia more safe, just, and equal.
The Ford Foundation's new strategy to support institutions and networks, and to strengthen civil society, ensuring that the courageous people within it have what they need to fight for a more just and equitable world.
A framework for achieving more meaningful and active voter participation.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and Lee-Anne Walters, key players in exposing the Flint water crisis, discuss the root causes of the crisis and implications for other cities across America.
What Flint can learn from a new generation of civic activism and engagement among diverse Detroit communities.
With the announcement of our new programs, we know many of you have questions. We answer some of them here.
Today, the Ford Foundation’s two-year transition is over. Darren Walker explains the details of FordForward.
A new tool from the Foundation Center—"Foundations Funding US Democracy”—allows funders and civil society organizations to align, collaborate, and coordinate better.
The foundation-supported Center for Popular Democracy’s Fed Up campaign educates the Fed and the public at large on racial and economic disparities.
Education and voting are fundamental rights, and they’re also essential opportunities. So when a federal appeals panel ruled against a strict voter ID law in Texas this week—deeming it discriminatory and in violation of the Voting Rights Act—it was an encouraging sign. It was also evidence that there’s still a serious need for our 50-year-old civil rights law. And that disenfranchisement doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
As we celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the lessons about working for freedom and justice over the past months.
Lessons learned from Nigeria's election.
JustFilms director, Cara Mertes, shares how CITIZENFOUR is an example of how filmmaking can be an act of justice.
On February 11, the presidents of the Open Society Foundations and the Knight, MacArthur, Mozilla, and Ford foundations came together with leading figures from government, philanthropy, business, and the tech world to launch a major new partnership, explore shared principles, and get ambitious about the next generation of innovation for social change and progress.
Program officer Louis Bickford deliberates the complex nature of the international human rights movement.
Program officer Jean Ross celebrates 20 years of impact made by the State Priorities Partnership (SPP).
Colombia's indigenous communities finally have the autonomy to govern themselves and manage resources at the local level.