The Ford Foundation

The Ford Foundation is the second largest foundation in the US established in 1936 with a gift from Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Our grant making resources are generated by investing our $12.5 billion endowment; we do not accept donations. The foundation is led by an independent board of trustees with Darren Walker as the president. With headquarters in New York City, USA, it has regional offices in 10 other countries, including China.

Adhering to the philosophy of equitable development, the Ford Foundation is committed to inclusive human development through shared development in knowledge, wealth and social resources. We envision a world in which all individuals, communities, and peoples share in the knowledge, wealth, and resources of society. We were one of the first philanthropic organizations invited in by the government to China. In 1988, we opened our office in Beijing with the support of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Our funding now focuses on supporting the development of China’s emerging indigenous philanthropy sector, poverty alleviation in the process of urbanization, gender equality, US-China relations and China-global south cooperation. Our grant-making in China is overseen by Elizabeth Knup, the director and chief representative.