Employees are encouraged to apply for funding to benefit nonprofits and NGOs

The Ford Volunteer Corps is now accepting applications for this year’s grants to support projects during Ford Global Caring Month in September. Employees can nominate a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization (NGO) for one of two grant programs through the month of May:

• Gratitude Grants – Employees can nominate local nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations (NGO) for a “Gratitude Grant” in recognition of the essential work they are doing to address COVID-19. Ford Volunteer Corps will award grants up to $5,000 to help sustain or expand efforts to serve the community and meet pandemic-related needs.
• Volunteer Project Grants – Ford Fund will provide up to $5,000 in grants to nongovernmental organizations to buy tools and supplies for in-person Ford Volunteer Corps projects that will take place during the month of September.  Clean water, education, food insecurity and health and wellness are among the examples of work Ford employees will be planning and coordinating to make a positive impact in their communities.

For more information on the grant programs and to apply, visit: fordfund.org/globalcaringmonth.

“Even in the shadow of the continuing pandemic, Ford employees have been anxious to give back and support their neighbors,” said Melissa Rapp, coordinator, Ford Global Caring Month. “We’re pleased to offer safe and flexible options for Ford volunteers, along with grants that will help our partners continue to meet the essential needs of the people they serve.”

All grant proposals will be reviewed and selected by the Ford Volunteer Corps team and then referred to Global Giving, Ford Fund’s international grant making partner. Final decisions are expected by the end of June and grants will be awarded in August.

Ford employees must comply with local market regulations and safety protocols to join in-person volunteer projects. In addition, they must check with their local HR representative to ensure the volunteer project is compliant with local company guidelines.

During 2020, as COVID-19 disrupted life around the world, Ford employees safely served their communities in 29 countries during Ford Global Caring Month. More than $380,000 was donated last September to more than 75 employee-nominated nonprofits.

Executive Chairman Bill Ford created the Ford Volunteer Corps in 2005, unifying the company’s extensive volunteer network. Ford Global Week of Caring was launched in 2006, enlisting thousands of employees on six continents in a concentrated week of service in September.

Ford Global Caring Month arrived in 2015 to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Ford Volunteer Corps, stretching Global Caring Week into the entire month of September and opening more opportunities for Ford volunteers to make a world of difference.