Our Mission
President Ford, with the encouragement of trusted advisors, established the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on September 18, 1981, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Foundation’s purpose is to foster increased awareness of the values that formed his life, the virtues that defined his character, the achievements that marked his career, and the legacy that inspires our future.
America’s 38th President lived by the virtues of integrity, honesty, candor, and courage. The Foundation, inspired by President Ford’s example, promotes character formation, civic engagement, public service, historical literacy, and the search for common ground for the greater good.
Our Five Platforms
When we speak of “The Ford,” we are speaking of five platforms we support:
(1) The Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that promotes the Fords’ legacy and engages, educates, and activates our youth for the awesome burdens and opportunities of citizenship.
(2) The Library is located on the campus of Ford’s alma mater, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
(3) The Museum is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, President Ford’s hometown. The National Archives and Records Administration funds the staffing, operations, and maintenance of the Gerald R. Ford Library & Museum. The Foundation helps fund its exhibits and activities.
(4) The DeVos Learning Center at the Museum carries the Ford’s values to our youngest citizens.
(5) The Ford Leadership Forum contributes to the intellectual and moral formation of our emerging leaders, college students, and young professionals.