Founded in 1936, the Ford Foundation operated as a local philanthropy in the state of Michigan until 1950, when it expanded to become a national and international foundation. Since its inception it has been an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. It has provided more than $12 billion for grants, projects and loans. These funds derive from an investment portfolio that began with gifts and bequests of Ford Motor Company stock by Henry and Edsel Ford.

Assets - $10,015,612,595 (9/30/2003)

Giving - $431,643,480 (9/30/2003)

Primary Grant Areas

• Asset Building and Community Development
  • Community & Resource Development
  • Economic Development
• Knowledge, Creativity and Freedom
  • Education, Sexuality & Religion
  • Media, Arts & Culture
• Peace and Social Justice
  • Governance & Civil Society
  • Human Rights