The Ford Foundation has come out to defend itself against government claims that it is responsible for funding the civil society— in a bid to topple the government.
The American charity, estimated at $16 billion (Sh2 trillion), has 10 regional offices worldwide. It said its funding of local organizations was transparent.
The government claimed that the Ford Foundation was funding Kenyan human rights organizations with KSh752 Million to destabilize the country.
In a brief response on their website, they distanced themselves from the claims:
“As a charitable foundation with a global presence, our grant-making is transparent and readily available on our website, www.fordfondation.org.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, acting for the government, had demanded a report on its funding in Kenya. PS Korir wrote a letter to the president of the Ford Foundation, Darren Walker, demanding an explanation of grants amounting to $1.49 million (Sh194 million) in June alone.
Funded Civil Society Organisations
According to Korir, those funded are:
- Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika) ($250,000)
- Women’s Link Worldwide ($750,000)
- Centre for Resource Mobilization and Development ($20,000)
- Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative ($220,000)
- Kenya Human Rights Commission ($600,000)
- Open Institute Trust ($100,000)
- Africa Centre for Open Governance ($200,000)
- Transparency International ($300,000).
Other beneficiaries include:
- The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) ($200,000)
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K) ($257,000)
- Shinning Hope for Communities Inc. ($2,050,000)
- Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya ($250,000)
- Community Aid International ($100,000)
- Mzalendo Trust ($335,000)
- Usikimye (Femicide) ($30,000)
- Citizens Advancement Initiative ($150,000).
“Most of the grantees have been at the center of the Anti-Finance Bill protests and the subsequent anarchic mobilizations that have sought to upend the peace and security of the state,” said the PS in a letter dated July 18.
The foundation reassured its unshakable commitment to its 60-year legacy of tackling inequality and building a future based on justice.
“We remain ever committed to building on the legacy of the Ford Foundation’s more than 60 years in the region so that Kenyans can unlock opportunities that extend to all.”
History of the Ford Foundation
It was established in 1936 by Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company. He established the Ford Foundation with an initial $25,000 given to him as a gift. The New York-based foundation started operating in Michigan in its early years, under the leadership of Ford family members.
The founding charter stated that resources should be used for “scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, all for the public welfare,”. The Ford Foundation has made grants to many different kinds of organizations worldwide.
The foundation is an independent organization, led by a distinguished board of trustees whose 16 members hail from four continents and bring leadership and expertise in a wide range of disciplines. They are stewards of a $16 billion endowment, making $500 million in grants around the world every year.
