This month, Ford Philanthropy, formerly known as the Ford Motor Company Fund, celebrates its 75th anniversary of empowering communities and fostering positive change. Among the organizations that received Ford’s early support are three key nonprofits that remain vital partners today: the American Red Cross, United Way, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
American Red Cross
Ford’s collaboration with the American Red Cross dates back to World War I when the company designed a Model T-based ambulance used in battlefield conditions. The partnership continued through World War II with Ford supporting blood drives and providing vehicles for the Red Cross Motor Corps, a volunteer group that transported wounded soldiers and delivered essential supplies. Since Ford Philanthropy’s founding in 1949, the company has supported the Red Cross through disaster relief efforts, employee blood drives, and contributions as a longstanding member of the Red Cross Disaster Giving Program.
United Way
Ford Philanthropy’s relationship with United Way began in 1949 when it helped launch the first Detroit fundraising campaign for the nonprofit, then known as the United Foundation. This 75-year partnership also saw Ford introduce the first payroll deduction program, allowing employees to make charitable donations, a practice now widespread among businesses. Over the decades, Ford and its employees have donated more than $500 million to United Way, supporting communities across Southeast Michigan.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Ford’s century-long partnership with DAV began in 1922 when Henry Ford organized a caravan of Model T Fords to transport veterans with disabilities to the DAV national convention in San Francisco. Since then, Ford has contributed scholarships, funded rehabilitation programs, and donated 269 vehicles to DAV’s Transportation Network, providing free rides to medical appointments for over 19.9 million veterans. This enduring partnership exemplifies Ford’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
As Ford Philanthropy celebrates 75 years of impact, it continues to honor these partnerships and its mission to uplift communities worldwide.
