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FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND

Ford Motor Company Fund

Contact information:

1 American Road
P.O. Box 1899
Dearborn, MI 48126-2798
Phone: 313-248-4745
Fax: 313-594-7001

Website: http://www.ford.com/our-values/ford-fund-community-service

Type of foundation: Company-sponsored 

Types of grants: Project, event sponsorships, capital.

Description: The Ford Motor Company Fund & Community Services supports not-for-profit organizations in three major areas: innovation and education, community development and American legacy and auto-related safety education. The Fund places priority on supporting organizations that promote diversity and inclusion.

Made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, the Fund supports initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates. Giving emphasizes southeastern Michigan. The Fund is not associated with the independent Ford Foundation based in New York.

Sample grants:

  • $672,000 to Newspapers in Education (2007).
  • $200,000 to Detroit Public Television for its capital campaign (2008).
  • $69,642 to Free Press Journalism Scholarships (2008).
  • $35,000 to National Association of Hispanic Journalists for Ford internship program (2008). 

Fit for public broadcasting: There is a fit for public media organizations, especially for projects that expand or promote diversity.

Eligibility: Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status. The Fund does not support:

  • Advocacy-directed programs.
  • Day-to-day business operations.
  • Debt reduction.
  • Donation of vehicles.
  • Efforts to influence legislation, the outcome of any election or voter registration drives.
  • Endowments.
  • Individual sponsorship related to fundraising activities.
  • Individuals.
  • Loans for small businesses.
  • Loans to program-related investments.
  • Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status.
  • Organizations that unlawfully discriminate in their provision of goods and services based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, physical challenge, age or status as a protected veteran.
  • Political contributions.
  • Private K-12 schools.
  • Profit-making enterprises.

Deadline: None. 

How to apply: Access the application system online. Organizations that do not already have a password must complete an eligibility quiz. An overview of required proposal components is available online. The Fund will only accept online applications.

Giving range: As high as $2.7 million 

Assets: $51,275,883 (2008)

Total giving: $34,261,532 (2008)

WEBINARS/CONFERENCE CALLS

Building a Strong Art Works Proposal for the National Endowment for the Arts
Watch the recording and download the resources from this May webinar on NEA's Art Works program and other NEA Media Arts grant opportunities. Air Date: May 29, 2013.
Strategies for Grantseeking Success: Building for the Future
Watch the recording from this webinar in the Grant Center's Strategies for Grantseeking Success series for tips on building long term relationships with foundations. Air Date: January 29,...

NEWSLETTERS

Read the Grant Center's May 2013 newsletter.
Read the Grant Center's April 2013 newsletter.