Ford Foundation

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

Every day, 500 people in the U.S. lose a limb. For the 2.3 million Americans living with limb loss, the cost of a prosthetic often forces an impossible choice between basic mobility and financial ruin. Our grantee, Steps Of Faith Foundation, is working to ensure losing a limb doesn’t mean losing your livelihood. A prosthetic limb can cost upwards of $30,000—a reality CEO Billy Brimblecom Jr. faced personally after losing his leg to cancer. Steps of Faith connects uninsured and underinsured amputees with the prostheses they need to regain their independence. To date, the organization has helped over 2,000 people return to their jobs, families, and passions. Read more about the life-changing work Steps of Faith is doing. #GiveSteps https://lnkd.in/ejnSC8Sw

Please join us to welcome Nick Turner, who will serve as our executive vice president for programs this May to steward the strategic impact of Ford's programmatic work across its New York headquarters and ten regional offices. Turner joins us from the Vera Institute of Justice, where he has served as president and director since 2013. Learn more. https://lnkd.in/gmby7xQz