Letter from the President

Dear community,

The Ford Family Foundation was founded with a vision of successful citizens and vital rural communities. That vision still guides us today. Yet the context in which we operate is ever changing. While rural leaders across the region inspire us every day, many communities face persistent challenges.

In response, we’re announcing a meaningful shift in our approach — one designed to meet the moment and strengthen the conditions that help rural people and places chart their own future.

It starts with a new mission statement:

Rooted in rural, we relentlessly pursue happy, healthy lives for kids. The future depends on it.

Central to this statement are two truths at the heart of our work:

1. Children flourish when they are part of a strong, interconnected support system, and
2. When these conditions are present in the early years, communities tend to be stronger and future generations are more likely to thrive.

These truths guide our strategy. We have interconnected strategies to support both direct, kid-centered programs while investing in new approaches to strengthen the community conditions that help rural kids and families thrive.

Our communities will continue to receive the familiar, responsive support they depend on. We remain committed to building and strengthening relationships, understanding that these connections are essential to any progress we achieve.

So what’s different? We are aligning our internal teams to prioritize programs and approaches that we believe will lead to better outcomes and long-term impact.

Where change will be most visible is in our expansion into systems change, addressing the underlying conditions that affect rural communities. This means we will cultivate, strengthen and facilitate the power and promise of rural communities to meet emerging challenges. It connects directly to the Foundation’s vision by building power where it is most needed: in communities that have the ambition for change but too often lack fair access to influence and resources.

I invite you to learn more about our new strategic framework. And, as always, I welcome your questions, your reflections and your partnership.

With gratitude and hope,

Kara Inae Carlisle
President and CEO,
The Ford Family Foundation