Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Ford Philanthropy
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
Ford Philanthropy is the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, a not-for-profit foundation founded in 1949. It provides grants and investments to nonprofits and tax‑exempt organizations worldwide, focusing on essential services, education for the future of work, mobility-based solutions and entrepreneurship in communities where Ford operates. View Ford Philanthropy's website for more information.
About Ford Philanthropy
What is the mission of Ford Philanthropy?
Ford Philanthropy’s mission is to partner with communities to move people forward and upward by expanding access to essential services, education, mobility solutions and entrepreneurship opportunities in places where Ford operates.
What type of organization is Ford Philanthropy?
Ford Philanthropy is a Foundation.
When was Ford Philanthropy founded?
Ford Philanthropy was founded in 1949.
What is Ford Philanthropy's official website?
Ford Philanthropy's official website is https://www.fordphilanthropy.org/.
What else should I know about Ford Philanthropy?
Ford Philanthropy is the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company and operates as a not-for-profit organization funded by Ford profits. Founded in 1949 as the Ford Motor Company Fund, it has a long history of supporting communities in Detroit, across the United States and in more than 30 countries worldwide. The organization is distinct from the Ford Foundation and manages its own grantmaking strategies and decisions.
Role of Ford Philanthropy in the funding ecosystem
Ford Philanthropy delivers impact primarily through grantmaking to nonprofits and other tax‑exempt organizations, alongside Ford Community Centers, employee volunteerism and the company’s mobility expertise. It awards grants to organizations and initiatives that align with its core impact areas, especially in communities where Ford operates. Grants are directed to international NGOs (via GlobalGiving), U.S. 501(c)(3) and other eligible entities whose work matches its priorities.
Key funding priorities and themes
- Essential services: Investments support access to food, healthcare, transportation and other critical services, including disaster relief, food security efforts, mobile health programs and Ford Community Centers that host multiple service providers.
- Education for the future of work: Funding includes Ford scholarships for students in STEM and mobility-related fields, workforce training and apprenticeships, and career readiness initiatives that connect young people to real‑world learning and technical skills.
- Mobility and entrepreneurship: The organization invests in solutions that use transportation and technology to connect people with resources and opportunities, and in entrepreneurs whose mobility-based businesses improve access to essential services.
Partnerships and grantee profile
Ford Philanthropy partners with a wide array of organizations, including community nonprofits, cultural and civil rights institutions, and public and private sector entities. Featured partners include American Red Cross, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Team Rubicon, TechForce Foundation, Focus: HOPE, National Urban League and others. These partners receive financial support, vehicles, expertise and volunteer engagement to scale their impact.
Grantmaking approach and process
The organization follows a largely invitation-only, closed grantmaking process. Ford Philanthropy does not accept unsolicited proposals; instead, potential grantees are identified through strategic priorities, local engagement and established relationships. Invited organizations receive an access code and submit proposals via a CyberGrants portal, where applications are reviewed in line with philanthropic priorities and non‑discrimination standards.
Supported audiences and global impact
Funding reaches communities in more than 30 countries, with a longstanding focus on Metro Detroit and plant cities, as well as other strategic locations worldwide. Through grants, community centers and large-scale initiatives such as Ford Building Together, Ford Philanthropy supports people facing barriers to food, healthcare, transportation, education and business ownership and works to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities.