Case Studies

Ford

The Challenge

Expand an existing grantmaking program internationally

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader with facilities across six continents. In 2014, Ford was recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies by Ethisphere for the fifth year in a row. Ford has also been named as one of Corporate Social Responsibility magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens in the U.S.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Ford Motor Company and Ford Fund provide more than $37M annually in grants to nonprofit organizations. GlobalGiving's partnership with Ford began in 2007 with its Brazil program, for which GlobalGiving identified and made grants to local partners. By 2012, the company was looking to expand its giving programs, as it operates in 77 locations worldwide. Ford needed a grantmaking program that could:

  • Increase Ford's international social impact;
  • Identify potential grantees abroad;
  • Ensure trustworthiness of local grantee organizations;
  • Facilitate communication with grantees; and
  • Quantify the impacts of giving.


The Solution

Create a program that facilitates and supports the grantmaking process from beginning to end

To support its international giving goals, Ford partnered with GlobalGiving to create a comprehensive grantmaking program. GlobalGiving helped Ford develop successful relationship with nonprofits abroad and facilitate the grantmaking process through:

  • Identification of grantees and determination of 501(c)(3) equivalency status.

    GlobalGiving has thousands of nonprofit partners all over the world and was able to immediately recommend several that fit Ford's needs. GlobalGiving also vetted organizations nominated by Ford to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations such as federal tax rules and specific in-country regulations.

  • Creation of grant agreements and implementation of a universal grant application process for use across the company.

    GlobalGiving created a standardized grant application and customized grant agreements tailored to meet Ford and its grantees' needs. GlobalGiving also worked directly with Ford employees in each region on developing and managing their grant programs.

  • Formulation of impact metrics through communication with grantees.

    The distribution, moderation, and analysis of six-month and one-year grantee surveys keeps Ford informed about how their funds are being spent. GlobalGiving also facilitated the reporting process and helped Ford develop internal and external impact reports.


The Benefits

Exponential growth of social impact through successes in international grantmaking

With the support of GlobalGiving, Ford has created ongoing relationships with international organizations and grown its international grantmaking program substantially.

  • Simplified giving process and improved relationships with grantees

    GlobalGiving facilitates the giving process for Ford by acting as the company's point of contact with grantees throughout the grantmaking process. GlobalGiving handles vetting, grant applications and agreements, as well as reporting, building positive relationships with grantees and supporting Ford's grants team from end to end.

  • High-impact growth in giving

    In the first year of its partnership with GlobalGiving, Ford was able to donate $1M to nine nonprofit partners in China, India, and Brazil. Three years later, Ford has dramatically grown its program, pledging $5.6M in 2014 to more than 100 grantees in 30 different countries, with plans to continue growing in the coming years. GlobalGiving's grantmaking services allowed Ford to scale up its giving program significantly.


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