Recent News
Ford Presidential Foundation Is Teaming Up With StoryCorps & WGVU for “One Small Step”
Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us, even those with whom we disagree. The initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics—but to get to know each other as people.
WGVU and their valued partners: Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse; Kaufman Interfaith Institute; Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies; Seeds of Promise; and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation as well as StoryCorps invite you to take part in One Small Step, an effort to bring communities together, one conversation at a time.
WGVU is one of just seven stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2024.With participant permission, these conversations will be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
We’re teaming up with civic organizations, churches, and other community groups and leaders to spread the word and connect West Michigan residents from all backgrounds who are ready to take One Small Step. Do you want to get your group or organization involved in the effort? Contact Phil Lane at lanep@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-6791 for more details.
We invite you to meet someone new – sign up here to participate.
Upcoming Events
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation fosters awareness of the life and legacy of America’s 38th President through activities promoting the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service. Join us as we celebrate 50 years since he took office, and see how you can help us continue the legacy.
2024 Gerald R. ford award for public service
Each year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awards the Medal for Distinguished Public Service to persons who have served the public good in the private and public sector.
The 2024 recipient was Mitch Daniels. For more than half a century, Governor Daniels has transformed every arena of public service that he has entered. His service has left a mark in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, business, state government, and higher education. In every endeavor, his leadership has embraced qualities that merit admiration and that build trust between citizens and those who serve them.
In recognition of the award Governor Daniels delivered the annual William E. Simon Lecture in Public Affairs.
Foundation Partners
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
DeVos Learning Center
Past Events & News
2024 Annual Dinner Honoring Six National Journalists and Medal of Honor Recipient Mitch Daniels
2024 Annual Dinner Celebrated Ford's 50 Anniversary of Becoming President The backdrop for this year's annual dinner was the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford's inauguration as President of the United States. What a night! In addition to a program of gifted...
Landmark First Ladies Conference With FLARE & AU Honored Betty Ford
Expert Panelists Wowed the House With Stories of Betty Ford's Impact The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation partnered with three impressive organizations to give a free presentation on the work of First Ladies in history, specifically focused on Betty Ford. The...
First Lady Jill Biden the Keynote Speaker at America’s First Ladies Luncheon
First Lady Jill Biden was our guest speaker at our Annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26, 2024, marking the first time a sitting first lady has joined us to keynote this event. As First Lady, Dr. Biden has championed numerous efforts, including the first-ever White...
Support the Foundation
Your donation supports important Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum activities, which are not funded by the Federal government. Examples of supported activities include exhibits, speakers, educational programs and community events. DONATE TODAY!
- Student programs at the DeVos Learning Center
- Temporary Exhibits such as ‘In Step with Betty Ford’
- Student Essay Challenge with scholarship prize
- Underwriting Opportunities
- Archival research grants at the Library and Museum
