The Ford Foundation was established on Jan. 15, 1936, with an initial gift of $25,000 from Edsel Ford, whose father Henry, founded the Ford Motor Company. During its early years, the foundation operated in Michigan under the leadership of Ford family members. Since the founding charter stated that resources should be used “for scientific, educational and charitable purposes, all for the public welfare,” the foundation made grants to many kinds of organizations.
Today, the Ford Foundation, led by Darren Walker, the Foundation’s tenth president, remains committed to advancing human welfare. Headquartered in New York City, the Ford Foundation makes grants in all 50 states and, through 10 regional offices around the world, support programs in more than 50 countries. Over the years, their trustees have been drawn from the United States, Latin America, Africa and Asia and have brought experience in business, government, higher education, law, nonprofit management and the civic sector with a diversity of approaches and continuity of purpose.
The Ford Foundation’s programs continue to serve the public welfare by strengthening democratic values, reducing poverty and injustice, promoting international cooperation and advancing human achievement.
Learn more about the Ford Foundation