The Ford Foundation, One of the World's Largest Grantmakers, Will Throw More Weight Behind Democracy
The $18 billion foundation will expand support for democratic governance, elections and civil liberties as it adds seven new program areas.
- On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the New York-based Ford Foundation unveiled a major strategic overhaul, refocusing its $18 billion endowment to protect democratic values, fundamental freedoms, and inclusive economies worldwide.
- Growing autocracy and intensifying inequality prompted the pivot, as leadership aims to respond to an "unpredictable and volatile period" that demands more from philanthropy.
- The foundation will launch seven programs throughout 2027, including democratic governance, racial justice, and gender equality initiatives, while shifting staff into three temporary units to maintain existing grants.
- An estimated $700 million in grants will be moved for 2027, with the foundation prioritizing flexible, multiyear support to help grantees navigate rapid global changes.
- President Heather Gerken reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to marginalized communities despite political criticism, framing the strategy as necessary to defend civil liberties against 21st-century authoritarianism.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Ford Foundation, one of the world's largest grantmakers, will
NEW YORK (AP) — The Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest private grantmakers, will overhaul its spending to counter what new leadership views as the mutually reinforcing rise of both autocracy and inequality. The New York-based
St Catharines Standard
The Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest grantmakers, will throw more weight behind democracy
NEW YORK (AP) — The Ford Foundation, one of the world's largest private grantmakers, will overhaul its spending to counter what new leadership views as the mutually reinforcing rise of both autocracy and inequality.
The Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest grantmakers, will throw more weight behind democracy – WTOP News
NEW YORK (AP) — The Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest private grantmakers, will overhaul its spending to counter what new leadership views as the mutually reinforcing rise of both autocracy and inequality. The New York-based philanthropy committed Thursday to driving more funds toward the basic building blocks of democracy. The new strategic direction...
The Ford Foundation, one of the world's largest grantmakers, will throw more weight behind democracy
The Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest private grantmakers, will overhaul its spending to counter what new leadership views as the mutually reinforcing rise of both autocracy and inequality
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