Could be a special place, but its seriously not - Program Officer Ford Foundation Employee Review

2.0
21 Dec 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Important and timely legacy and current mission. Ford is an institution where you can help enact real positive change in the areas and field we work on.

Cons

Ford is place of many contradictions, while we seek to empower people and communities, we fail on a regular basis to empower our own staff and create a culture where everyone matters. Top down hierarchical culture still reigns supreme. There are managers and Directors that while may be "experts" in the field, lack basic interpersonal skills, and other senior leadership who have been at the Foundation too long and are complacent.

Explore other reviews about Ford Foundation

5.0
11 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Values, caring colleagues, meaningful work, flexible

Cons

None, left due to relocation at time

5.0
3 Dec 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Direct exposure to climate justice philanthropy; Exposure to high-level international climate work; A respected name on the résumé.

Cons

More time on grantmaking research and internal memos than hands-on climate policy or technical analysis; If you're expecting fieldwork, government-facing policy drafting, or deep modeling, this internship might feel indirect.

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