LP profile · Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation is a foundation headquartered in United States (North America). Ranked #156 in the 2026 Dealroom Power Law LP Ranking by realised power-law score across its venture commitments.
Historical Background
- The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth Ford, the founder of Roseburg Forest Products, a timber company in Oregon.
- Initially a small family foundation, it became a large private foundation in 1996 following the sale of the Roseburg Forest Products company. This event significantly increased the foundation's assets, allowing it to expand its philanthropic programs.
Source of Capital
- The foundation's capital originates from the wealth generated by the Ford family's timber products company, Roseburg Forest Products.
- The endowment was substantially funded by the assets of Kenneth Ford and his wife Hallie after their passing.
Major Events
- In 1996, the foundation transitioned from a small family entity to a major private foundation after receiving a significant influx of assets from the sale of the family's company.
Allocation Strategy
- The foundation's primary focus is on grantmaking and scholarships, rather than direct investment in private companies.
- Geographically, its efforts are concentrated on rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
- The foundation's stated goal is to support these communities by investing in areas such as education, community building, and economic development.