Darren Walker talks to the Chronicle of Philanthropy about the culture he’s building.
Published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy
New leader steers Ford Foundation back toward familiar ground
By Alex Daniels
Pointing the way forward for a sprawling, venerable philanthropic institution like the Ford Foundation is a dizzying experience, says Darren Walker, the man who is setting its course. There is no clear, simple formula to determine how a philanthropy giant with billions in assets and offices across the globe should make its bets, says Mr. Walker.
“The world is topsy-turvy, and you really can’t tell if you’re standing on quicksand or on concrete,” he says.
Mr. Walker, who became president of the foundation a year ago, plans to present his priorities to the foundation’s directors in October. He says he will restart grants to peace and global-security efforts, and increase the amount of money the foundation contributes to programs that deal with urban issues, both in the United States and internationally.
More Information
Read Darren’s reflections on his first year and all his blog posts.
The Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For more than 85 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Media Contacts
Press Line
Tel (+1) 212-573-5128
Fax (+1) 212-351-3643
[email protected]