Ford Philanthropy
Preselected recipients only
Ford Philanthropy is a private foundation in Dearborn, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $40.3 million in 207 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $10.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$40.3 million
- Number of grants207
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$10.0 million
- Assets$221 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $42.0 million the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $40.0 million | 214 | $195 million |
| 2024 | $42.0 million | 231 | $206 million |
| 2025 | $40.3 million | 207 | $221 million |
How to apply
Ford Philanthropy says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Ford Philanthropy funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 23 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 15 | $14.5 million |
| Michigan | 105 | $14.4 million |
| Arizona | 3 | $2.6 million |
| Tennessee | 12 | $1.7 million |
| California | 8 | $1.4 million |
| Georgia | 5 | $1.2 million |
| Illinois | 10 | $1.1 million |
| Nebraska | 1 | $1.0 million |
| New York | 8 | $729,500 |
| Colorado | 2 | $650,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Global Giving Foundation Inc | Global | $10.0 million |
| Techforce Foundation | Scholarship | $2.5 million |
| United Way for Southeastern Michigan | Essential services | $2.0 million |
| Governors Highway Safety Association | Other services | $1.7 million |
| Gleaners Community Food Bank | Essential services | $1.4 million |
| Henry Ford Learning Institute | Education for the future of work | $1.1 million |
| Feonix - Mobility Rising | Essential services | $1.0 million |
| Kellogg Community College Foundation | Education for the future of work | $800,000 |
| United Way of West Tennessee | Ford community centers | $770,000 |
| American National Red Cross | Disaster response | $683,300 |
| The Detroit Institute of Arts | Museums and cultural inst. | $680,000 |
| Global Giving Foundation Inc | Other services | $655,500 |
| Last Mile Education Fund | Mobility | $600,000 |
| The Edison Institute Inc | Museums and cultural inst. | $600,000 |
| Vision to Learn | Mobility | $515,000 |
| Feeding America | Disaster response | $500,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity International Inc | Disaster response | $500,000 |
| Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation | Other services | $500,000 |
| Team Rubicon | Disaster response | $500,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Incorporated | Disaster response | $400,000 |
| Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation | Ford community centers | $394,900 |
| Ser Metro-Detroit | Ford community centers | $375,000 |
| Skills USA Inc | Education for the future of work | $375,000 |
| Henry Ford Estate | Museums and cultural inst. | $350,000 |
| The Skillpointe Foundation Inc | Education for the future of work | $350,000 |
| University Physician Group DBA Wayne Health | Mobility | $348,000 |
| Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center | Ford community centers | $315,000 |
| Forgotten Harvest | Essential services | $310,000 |
| Accounting Aid Society | Ford community centers | $300,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) | Health | $300,000 |
| Ride for Ride Inc | Essential services | $300,000 |
| Focus Hope | Education for the future of work | $275,000 |
| Lulac National Educational Service Centers Inc | Scholarship | $275,000 |
| Dare to Care Inc | Essential services | $250,000 |
| YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South | Essential services | $250,000 |
| Second Harvest Foodbank of North Central Ohio | Essential services | $245,000 |
| Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall Inc | Museums and cultural inst. | $214,500 |
| Toolbank USA Inc | Disaster response | $210,000 |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan | Other services | $200,000 |
| Entrepreneur Development Center of SW TN Inc DBA Theco | Entreprenuership | $200,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary E Culler
- David A Webb
- Cristina L Sanders
- Nicholas F Ford
- Catherine O'Callaghan
- Kevin C Legel
- Daniel Ta Justo
- Lindsey F Buhl
- Jason W Ingle
- Christopher C Smith
- Elena A Ford
- Gabriella C Bruno
Questions people ask
Does Ford Philanthropy accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ford Philanthropy give?
$40.3 million in tax year 2025, across 207 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Ford Philanthropy?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary E Culler (Chair, President, Trustee), David A Webb (Treasurer, Trustee), Cristina L Sanders (Assistant Secretary) and Nicholas F Ford (Trustee) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Ford Philanthropy fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, education and human services.