Commitment. Action. Results. Progress.
At the Ford Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is unwavering - across all of our work around the world. They are central to our mission and to our impact. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing—and increasingly diverse—world.
We believe that diversity is a mission-critical piece of our culture, and that without equity and inclusion, it would be impossible for our diverse staff to do their best work fighting inequality in the world.
Since 2015, we have taken action to infuse these values throughout our internal culture, systems, and practices. We have taken deliberate steps to strengthen our ability to recruit and retain exemplary diverse staff and leadership. We have undertaken reviews and audits of pay, policies, practices, and procedures to ensure they support our values and enable our employees around the world to do their best work. We hire consultants and vendors who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our grantmaking favors organizations and institutions that reflect that commitment and we are working to ensure that our building meets the highest standards of openness and accessibility.
And we’re seeing the results.
2020 Results
Executive Leadership
65%
Women
Executive Leadership
65%
People of color
Program Directors
46%
People of color
Trustees
44%
Women
Trustees
60%
People of color
Promotions
56%
People of color
Promotions
71%
Women
We know that as a result of our progress, we have changed the conversations we are having as an organization and paved the way for deeper, more lasting and inclusive change. Moving forward, we will continue to view our progress through the same social justice lens that drives Ford’s external efforts to ensure that our culture is a reflection of the just world we wish to create.
Our Values
Diversity, equity, and inclusion mean many things to many people. To us…
Diversity is the representation of all our varied identities and differences (race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.), collectively and as individuals. We seek to proactively engage, understand, and draw on a variety of perspectives. We believe that the solution to the problems we hope to address through our grant making can be found by affirming our similarities, as well as by finding value in our differences.
Equity seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all. We believe this is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.
Inclusion builds a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. We believe that no one person can or should be called upon to represent an entire community.
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Last year, we established nine (9) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs bring together employees from different levels and departments to build community and a sense of belonging. They are a powerful center of engagement and meaningful interactions for so many.
- B.L.A.C. Professionals Group
- Caregivers
- Disability
- Faith and Spirituality
- Healing for Justice
- LatinX/BlatinX @Ford
- LGBTQIA+
- Mixed Roots
- Sisters in Solidarity
2019 Diversity and Inclusion Update
Fighting inequity on a global stage begins inside. We continually assess our own practices, processes, and culture. Turning the tide together, our disability inclusion journey, is just one example of how we tackle engrained social norms and discrimination to make lasting change in our own organization and around the world.
The Ford Foundation’s annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Report describes our ongoing efforts to shape a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable future. The purpose of this report is to articulate our approach, to lift up our successes, and to acknowledge where we have opportunities for enhancement.
We are pleased to present our latest findings and hope you’ll take a moment to look through the report and its highlights.
Please note: In the charts below, “Croner” references a survey of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices conducted by The Croner Company and sponsored by Ford Foundation. 33 large foundations with assets greater than $2 billion were invited to participate. 16 submitted data.
The Ford Foundation, by gender
All Staff
Trustees
Executive Leadership Team
Directors
Program Officers
The Ford Foundation, by Race and Ethnicity
US only
All Staff
Executive Leadership Team
Directors
Program Officers
Operations Managers