On May 13 2026, the Ford Foundation published its final report on the landmark land‑rights pledge, revealing that it has disbursed $158.5 million to 324 organisations worldwide, well above the $100 million originally promised.
The pledge was part of a $1.7 billion collective commitment unveiled at COP26 in 2021, where governments and philanthropic entities agreed to channel funds to Indigenous, local and Afro‑descendant communities for forest stewardship.
Of the total, $43.2 million went straight to Indigenous, local‑community and Afro‑descendant groups, accounting for 27 % of the grant pool; the rest flowed through intermediaries that impose administrative requirements.
The foundation boosted its contribution with a BUILD initiative and a COVID‑era social bond, adding $41.5 million between August 2024 and December 2025 and extending support to 16 Quilombola and other Afro‑descendant groups.
Despite this, the report underscores that less than 1 % of global climate finance is directed toward tenure rights, exposing a stark funding gap.
The foundation has announced a new grant cycle slated for 2028, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring sustained community benefit.