Ford Foundation announced on Oct. 18, 2026 that it will reallocate $700 million in grants toward democratic governance and seven new priority areas, including inclusive economies and reliable information, under President Heather Gerken. The shift follows a tripling of democracy funding since 2016 and marks the largest strategic revision since 2015. The foundation will roll out the new priorities in 2027 while existing grants continue.
Gerken presented the plan to trustees amid growing concerns about authoritarianism and economic inequality. She argued that robust democratic institutions create the conditions needed for social justice work to thrive. The move echoes the 2015 overhaul that placed inequality at the centre of Ford’s agenda.
The seven focus areas—democratic governance, inclusive economies, reliable information, public safety, gender equality, international cooperation, and racial justice—will receive dedicated funding streams. Ford will also double its immigration budget in 2026 to support displaced communities.
Alongside the new focus, the foundation will offer longer, less restrictive grants to give recipients more stability between election cycles. Nick Turner, EVP for programmes, said the principles of the former Building Institutions and Networks programme will now underpin all grantmaking.
Open Society Foundations announced a $300 million pledge to protect democratic rights earlier this year, and Sanjiv Rao of the Democracy Fund welcomed Ford’s commitment to continuous funding. Ford will issue detailed program guidelines by March 2027, setting the stage for the first cohort of grantees to apply.