Ford Foundation

Sarah Jaynes Director, Heartland Fund #MakeItCount: 20% “The Heartland Fund, which is supported by Ford, works with rural leaders who are improving and transforming their communities. Heartland has three program areas: Rural Democracy, Resource Rural, and the Rural Climate Partnership. The promise of rural America lies with its people. The Rural Democracy program invests in civic engagement efforts that empower rural working people to drive the important decisions that impact their lives and communities, from securing health care to ensuring fair voting access for all people. All of the program’s grantee partners bridge across differences to make things concretely better for their rural communities. In the process, they develop leaders, many of them young and people of color, decrease polarization, and defuse disinformation. In 2024, the Resource Rural program provided $4 million in grants and capacity support to 12 local partners. These partners then supported 370 communities and helped submit 320 grant applications, resulting in $145 million of public funding to help build essential rural infrastructure like water systems, housing, and energy-efficient schools. The Rural Climate Partnership boosts efforts that help communities take control of their own energy futures—building renewables, growing climate-smart agriculture, and lifting rural economies. About 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, yet only 7% of philanthropy is focused on rural communities. These are resilient communities with resourceful people; they're used to chipping in and working together, and they have really strong relationships. They often have a lot of assets but not the financial resources to thrive. We are working to change the narrative of what is possible in rural places so people stop thinking about them as dying and recognize them as places that are rich with people power, natural resources, beauty, and community. Philanthropic resources can have outsized leverage to make major, lasting changes here.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-CQitec

Congratulations to the team behind “THE DEVIL IS BUSY” for their Oscar nomination. The documentary follows Tracii, the head of security at an abortion clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, over the course of a single day. At a time when access to healthcare depends on where you live in the United States, the film shines a light on one clinic where women are hoping to find the reproductive care they need. The Ford Foundation is proud to have supported the team behind this film, including Geeta Gandbhir, Christalyn Hampton, and Soledad O'Brien. You can stream the film on HBO. #JustFilms

American democracy is only as strong as those who steward it. It was an honor to host civil rights leader and former Ford Foundation Senior Fellow Sherrilyn Ifill in conversation with President Heather Gerken. They reflected on the vital importance of supporting those who defend the rule of law—from election administrators to advocates—and how our history serves as a blueprint for hope for our collective future.

A Better Balance advances the rule of law by bridging the gap between rights on paper and fairness on the job. From strategic litigation that holds corporations accountable to a confidential legal helpline that offers immediate support, they enforce vital protections like paid leave and pregnancy accommodations at every level. By backing workers with the legal muscle they deserve, they balance the scales of our democracy. https://lnkd.in/gtWfXTnw

This year, the Ford Foundation marks nine decades of challenging inequality. Throughout this time, Ford’s work has focused on improving our communities at the local level in the United States and worldwide. At the core of our mission is listening to and learning from our grantees to ground these efforts. Ford has evolved since the early days, as you can see in this photo from our original office in Dearborn, Michigan, 1946. But 90 years has given us the experience to understand better how we can put those founding principles, like safeguarding democracy, into action. Follow along with #FordFoundation90 as we share stories throughout the year about our impact, history, and current work to strengthen democracy and justice. 📸: From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

A recent report from Pew Research Center highlights a widening gap between the ideal of democracy and its reality. Across 24 countries, 74% of people feel their government doesn't care what they think. The data makes clear that citizens haven’t given up on democracy, but they want it to work for them. They are demanding better accountability and fairness in how laws are applied. They want leaders who better reflect the population's diversity and needs and who also address the perception that the system is rigged for the wealthy. If we want to strengthen the rule of law, we must first restore confidence in our institutions. https://lnkd.in/gp48kszQ 📸: Azwar Ipank/Anadolu via Getty Images

For many survivors of domestic violence, having an attorney who understands their needs is the key to unlocking their rights. That’s why the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is training defense attorneys to better understand the recently passed Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, which offers a path to justice for survivors who were wrongfully convicted as a result of abuse. Their work has helped a number of Oklahomans reclaim their futures. https://lnkd.in/ewSeZxye 📸: KTUL

Sustaining American democracy is about more than adherence to the Constitution. Sec. Johnson cautions that we must also elect public servants who respect the rule of law. Watch the full conversation: fordf.org/UrgentWork

For 90 years, making real the promises of democracy has been at the heart of our work. We are proud to have supported the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and remain inspired by Dr. King’s example. Join us to honor his legacy on #MLKDay. #FordFoundation90