As a foundation dedicated to protecting and advancing human welfare, we are working proactively to address the rising concerns about the Coronavirus and monitor and assess the rapidly changing environment in our headquarters of New York and around the world.

A Message from our President

During these stressful, uncertain times, our interdependence on each other has become crystal clear. Ford Foundation President Darren Walker shares his reflections on the current crisis and sheds light on how philanthropy is offering hope and long-term solutions amidst it all. Read more. 

Supporting our grantees

The work of the individuals and organizations we support matters now more than ever. We are working closely with them to understand their needs during this challenging time and provide them with the required support and flexibility to navigate the evolving situation. Read more.

Photo courtesy of National Domestic Workers Alliance

Taking action

A Call to Release NYC’s Incarcerated

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been an exemplar of leadership in this time of crisis, someone to whom other state and local officials are looking for guidance. On Friday, the governor took the crucial step of ordering the release of 1,100 people from New York’s jails and prisons. But he must do more. If we don’t act fast, we jeopardize the lives of many. Worse yet, we risk creating a uniquely deadly incubator for the virus.

A Call to Action: Philanthropy’s Commitment During COVID-19

When crises strike, every moment wasted navigating red tape can cause detriment to the most vulnerable communities. That’s why we spearheaded a philanthropy pledge, bringing together more than 400 major funders to commit to flexible funding to support our nonprofit partners as they support the individuals and communities most impacted by COVID-19.

Helping NYC Nonprofits Survive COVID-19

The new $75 million fund will provide grants and loans to New York City-based social services and cultural organizations to support them in the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Fund Supports Families and Workers Hardest Hit During COVID-19

Low-wage workers and their families have been hard hit by COVID-19. Millions are unemployed, while those on the frontlines are working harder and longer hours than ever. The new Families and Workers Fund, with a goal of raising $20 million and initial commitment of over $7 million, provides direct cash support and advances policy responses that are fast acting, long lasting, and informed by people most affected.

NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund Issues $44 Million to Social Service and Arts Nonprofits

The fund has raised more than $95 million from 500 donors, with $44 Million already awarded to support 276 critical New York City nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Amidst COVID-19 Crisis, Disability Inclusion Fund Launches Rapid Response Fund

The Disability Inclusion Fund, an initiative supported by Ford and leading philanthropies, launched a $200,000 rapid response fund to support the needs of people with disabilities impacted by the coronavirus.

NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund has issued over $110 Million in emergency funds to New York City-Based Nonprofits

768 Critical Arts and Social Service Nonprofits Across the Five Boroughs Received Support to Weather Onset of Pandemic.

In the News

Worker health is public health

Without paid sick leave and other benefits, US workers in underpaid jobs cannot afford to miss work, even in the midst of a pandemic. Grantee Rebecca Dixon of the National Employment Law Project explains why emergency COVID-19 measures fail to protect the rights of workers who are already falling through the cracks of America’s economic system.

Caring for the caregivers

Domestic workers support some of the most vulnerable populations while putting their own lives at risk, a fact many are now realizing with the outbreak of COVID-19. Ai-Jen Poo, director of grantee the National Domestic Workers Alliance, penned an op-ed in The New York Times that outlines how we can protect these overlooked workers, both now and in the future. Learn more.

Protecting black communities

As COVID-19 grips every aspect of society, it’s making America’s injustices felt by black communities all the more acute. Ford grantee Color of Change and BET have teamed up to create an action plan that equips African Americans with the tools they need to fight injustice and receive vital information during this difficult time.

Foundations and Donors Step Up Grants to Help Workers Hurt by the Pandemic

The Chronicle of Philanthropy profiles the Families and Workers Fund, launched by Ford and seven other grant makers to support low-wage workers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big New Funder Initiatives Support Policy Advocacy and Low-Income Workers

Nonprofit Quarterly spotlights how the Families and Workers Fund represents a crucial recognition by the philanthropic community of the vital need of facilitating direct cash support to workers impacted by COVID-19.

Major Foundations Commit $7.1 Million to Aid Workers and Families

In Barrons, Sarita Gupa underscores how the Families and Workers Fund serves as a much needed vehicle that brings together philanthropies and high-net-worth individuals to help millions of impacted workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foundations Launch COVID-19 Fund for Low-Wage Workers

Philanthropy News Digest profiles the Families and Workers Fund's unique two-tier approach - facilitating direct cash support for workers and ensuring workers and their families are central to immediate and long term economic responses.

Darren Walker: How to disrupt philanthropy in response to a crisis

If we want to build back better after the pandemic, we must reconsider philanthropy and create a new kind of capitalism that's rooted in generosity and accountability, says Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation.

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, public garden, and Gallery will be closed until further notice. Learn more about our New York office closure.