How the Ford Foundation’s grantmaking works
Transcript
[Simple animated graphics support the narrative throughout.]
Each and every year, the Ford Foundation makes approximately 1,400 grants to organizations all over the world that serve the public good. We fund a broad range of issues, but at the heart of our work is the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to fulfill their potential, contribute to society, and have their voices heard. Our grantmaking tackles the systems and structures that keep those opportunities out of reach for many communities. Each of our areas of work, from education to human rights to economic fairness, is overseen by teams of program officers. These teams are experts in their fields, with years of experience and deep ties to the communities with which they work.
How do grants get made?
Based on their extensive knowledge of the most pressing issues in their fields, program teams seek out people and organizations with bold ideas and scalable solutions. The teams work with prospective grantees to create grant proposals to support those solutions. Grant applications may also be submitted through the Ford Foundation website. But in a typical year, less than one percent of unsolicited applications receive a grant.
How are proposals reviewed?
Once a proposal is selected for funding, it goes through a thorough review, which ensures we comply with all legal requirements for charitable giving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability. The foundation then formally approves a grant and issues an official grant letter.
How are grants monitored?
Through visits, convenings, and written reports. Program teams maintain close communication with the people and organizations they support, learning about their progress and challenges. It is a privilege to work on the frontlines of social change with these visionary leaders and organizations. And it is our mission to support them transparently and responsibility.
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Each year, the Ford Foundation issues about 1,400 grants to organizations fighting injustice around the globe. The foundation, through its endowment, awards these grants to individuals and institutions with bold ideas that will help us achieve our mission of building a truly equitable world.
Our teams of program officers identify the most pressing issues—and the organizations , creating solutions to those issues that need funding to advance their work
They review and assess each organization’s proposal and, once approved, issue a tailored grant to the organization. The grants are monitored through ongoing meetings, visits, and reports to make sure the organizations are on the best path to drive lasting social change.
In 2016, we introduced a five-year, $1 billion initiative, known as BUILD, to make our grantmaking all the more impactful. By providing more flexible funding, BUILD puts our grantees in the driver’s seat, allowing them to decide how to use the funds we provide to become stronger, more resilient organizations. Given its success, we dedicated another $1 billion in 2021 to continue this landmark program.
We are committed to continuing to evolve our grantmaking to become smarter, more effective partners to the leaders and organizations we support, so we can build a future grounded in equality, together.
For more information, please visit: How we make grants
This is part of the Ford Explainer series, which details how the foundation is working to reimagine philanthropy.
Other videos in this series
How mission-related investments work
Every year, the Ford Foundation distributes 5% of its endowment to grants and program-related investments. The rest of the endowment is invested to generate the funds that will help support organizations in need for years to come. In an effort to reimagine philanthropy, these mission-related investments are designed to generate both social and financial returns.
How program-related investments disrupt inequality
Along with our grantmaking, the foundation makes loans and equity investments that advance equality around the world. These program-related investments benefit organizations deemed too risky by traditional investors. These investments, which are eventually paid back, are then reinvested in new projects designed to create social change.
How our endowment works
The Ford Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropies with an endowment of $16 billion. Our endowment is channeled into grants and investments serving the public good and supporting visionary leaders on the frontlines of social change worldwide.