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The Heartland: Elevating Voices in Local Communities with Kevin Bacon and Gabe Brown
Actor, musician, and philanthropist Kevin Bacon and regenerative agriculture pioneer Gabe Brown discuss their work supporting heartland communities across America.
![Image of three men standing in front of a turquoise background with text. The text reads: "The Heartland: Elevating Voices in Local Communities with Kevin Bacon and Gabe Brown." The man on the left is in a black suit, the middle man wears glasses and a beige jacket, and the man on the right wears a baseball cap and a striped polo shirt.](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The_Heartland_Website_Header-2.jpg)
Featured Stories
![A cohort of LUNA graduates at the 2023 reunion in Brazil stands close together in a hallway. Some are smiling and engaged in conversation. One woman in front wears a floral blouse, while another wears a purple shirt with text and graphics.](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Investing-in-the-Care-Economy-Supporting-Domestic-Workers-Fight-for-Labor-Protections_Hero.jpg?w=600)
Meet the Domestic Workers and Labor Leaders Fighting for a Just Care Economy
Around the world, domestic workers face low wages, inadequate protections, and exploitation. Organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the International Domestic Workers Federation are building the leadership of these essential workers to win better wages, benefits, and protections.
![A grid of 20 diverse individuals representing the Disability Futures Fellows 2024. Featuring people with different appearances, attire, and expressions, the image also has text on the left side reading "Disability Futures Fellows 2024" with a blue-and-white abstract background.](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DFF_2024_Header.jpg?w=600)
Ford and Mellon Foundations Announce 2024 Disability Futures Fellows
The Ford Foundation and the Mellon Foundation announce the 2024 recipients of the Disability Futures Fellowship, an initiative administered by United States Artists that is dedicated to platforming and amplifying…
![A Vital Strategies team stands and smiles in front of a mobile healthcare van at a mobile harm reduction site. The van has a large awning with string lights. A table displays promotional materials and healthcare items. Trees and additional tables are visible in the background.](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Harm-Reduction-in-the-Heartland_Body2.jpg?w=600)
Harm Reduction in the Heartland: Combating the Opioid Crisis in Appalachia
The opioid crisis affects people of every race, class, and location, and it continues to be a public health crisis. In Kentucky, three of our grantees are working with state and local governments and community members to bring resources and support to those who need it most.
![Grantees of the Creativity and Civic Space Initiative.](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Cultural-Leaders-Protecting-Civic-Space-Worldwide_Hero.jpg?w=600)
The Cultural Leaders Protecting Civic Space Worldwide
Meet the artists and organizations of Ford’s Creativity and Civic Space initiative, which addresses the importance of protecting and expanding civic space around the world. The initiative provides support to nine artists working to create open spaces and dialogues about the issues that affect their communities most.
![Portrait of Darren Walker](https://www.fordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/darren-walker-ford-foundation-2022.jpg?cb=1697741223)
Ford Foundation President Darren Walker Announces Departure in 2025
President Darren Walker has shared his plans to step down from the foundation by the end of 2025. The Ford Foundation Board of Trustees will oversee the presidential leadership transition process.
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