Ford Media Center

Ford Philanthropy: 75 Years of Community Impact

Henry Ford II, 1963

Henry Ford II, 1963

 

Ford Philanthropy and Ford Archives Teams

This month marks a significant milestone: Ford Philanthropy is celebrating 75 years of strengthening communities and helping build a better world.  

In September 1949, Henry Ford II established Ford Motor Company Fund – now Ford Philanthropy – as a corporate foundation dedicated to uplifting communities. In the aftermath of World War II and in the face of the growing Cold War, Henry Ford II observed a troubling trend: traditional sources of financial support for nonprofits were starting to fade. Building on the legacy of his father (Edsel Ford) and grandfather (Henry Ford), he created Ford Motor Company Fund to help fill the void. 

 

Incorporator's Meeting and Trustee's Meeting, Ford Motor Company Fund, November 4, 1949

Announcement of Ford Motor Company Fund download

1950 Henry Ford II Announces the Formation of the Ford Motor Company Fund, and 1949 List of Contributions
Click image to download full PDF

 

List of contributions, 1949

List of contributions, 1949

 

In the early years, Ford Philanthropy helped build hospitals, supported human services organizations and Community Chests across the country, provided educational scholarships, laid the financial foundation for the University of Michigan-Dearborn and played an important role in developing Downtown Detroit’s Civic Center.

 

52 College Bound Ford Motor Company Fund Scholarship Winners From Michigan

Fifty Two College Bound Ford Motor Company Fund Scholarship Winners From Michigan

 

Willam C Ford, chairman of United Foundation Industrial Group, with team captain, 1952

 

Celebrating our diverse culture and history has always been an important part of Ford Philanthropy’s work. Ford Philanthropy has decades-long partnerships with arts, cultural and civil rights organizations, national landmarks and historical museums – both in our hometown of Detroit and across the U.S.

Today, Ford Philanthropy’s purpose remains true to its founding principles. As the company’s philanthropic arm, its mission is to partner with communities to help move people forward and upward. It is a mission that has remained steadfast for over 75 years and served as the driving force behind the more than $2.3 billion Ford and Ford Philanthropy have made in philanthropic contributions since 1949. 

 

Bill Ford Jr Volunteer Corps Community Clean-Up, 2010

Bill Ford Jr Volunteer Corps Community Clean-Up, 2010

 

“Giving back has been an integral part of Ford’s history and values since the very beginning,” says Mary Culler, President, Ford Philanthropy. “As we celebrate 75 years of impact, we remain deeply committed to leveraging Ford’s unique capabilities and expertise, including our employees who volunteer, to help drive positive change in communities around the world where Ford has roots.”

Team Rubicon

Ford employees volunteer with Team Rubicon

 

Working with nonprofits and community organizations in more than 30 countries, Ford Philanthropy invests in programs and partnerships that build equity and expand access to essential services, education and entrepreneurship. Whenever possible, the power of mobility is used to find new ways to connect people with the goods and services they need most.

Helping fuel Ford Philanthropy’s mission are the thousands of Ford employees who participate in community service projects through the Ford Volunteer Corps. With support and funding from Ford Philanthropy, the Ford Volunteer Corps provides year-round opportunities for employees to help address issues they care about in communities where they live and work. Since Bill Ford started the Ford Volunteer Corps in 2005, Ford employees have contributed more than 1.7 million volunteer hours across six continents, bringing unique skills and heart for service to nonprofits all over the globe. Visit fordphilanthropy.org/volunteers to learn more and register to volunteer.

 

Ford volunteers at Gleaners Community Food Bank

 

Ford Philanthropy and Ford Foundation
The Ford family is among the world’s leading philanthropists, a commitment that is deeply ingrained in their legacy. Edsel Ford established the Ford Foundation as an independent corporate foundation in 1936, and Ford Philanthropy (formerly Ford Motor Company Fund) was established in 1949 by Henry Ford II as a nonprofit organization funded by company profits. Ford Philanthropy and the Ford Foundation are separate entities that operate independently and have no relationship to one another. 

 

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