Values

A Legacy of Social Justice

Across eight decades, the Ford Foundation has invested in innovative ideas, visionary individuals, and frontline institutions advancing human dignity around the world. 

Learn more about our work in civil rights, education, arts and culture, human rights, poverty reduction and urban development and see some of our key foundation milestones below.

INNOVATION

“Whether you’re a farmer, builder or engineer, the opportunities are equal: Just add a little innovation.”

― Strive Masiyiwa, Executive Chairman & Founder of the Econet Group

COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

If you don’t understand, ask questions. If you’re uncomfortable about asking questions, say you are uncomfortable about asking questions and then ask anyway. It’s easy to tell when a question is coming from a good place. Then listen some more. Sometimes people just want to feel heard. Here’s to possibilities of friendship and connection and understanding.”

― Chimamanda Adichie, Nigerian writer, speaker, and Activist

RESPONSABILITY

If you carry the egg basket do not dance. 

— Ambede proverb

 

IMPACT

“The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

― Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First Woman President of Africa