Susan berresford biography

She reorganized grant-giving around three major focus areas. She also began to emphasize communications, establishing it as a new department in order to strengthen public relations and advertising. This emphasis on communications was Berresford's most significant innovation at the Ford Foundation. Previously, the foundation had kept a low profile, but Berresford wanted to push the organization into the spotlight.

Arenson in the New York Times. The new president also touted programs for women. Feminist leader Gloria Steinem supported Berresford's new appointment. Berresford has guided the Ford Foundation through a period of major change. Founded in by auto baron Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, the private non-profit organization began as a local Michigan philanthropy dedicated to the broad purpose of improving human welfare.

In it became a national and international organization, with its assets composed almost entirely of Ford Motor Company stock from the two men's estates. From to , the foundation got rid of its Ford stock and spread itself over a range of investments, and in Henry Ford II quit the board, severing all connections between the Ford family and the foundation.

Today, Ford is the largest organization of its kind in the country. The Ford Foundation's objectives are to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Asset Building and Community Development focuses on fighting poverty by helping people and communities build assets and give them future options, which includes bank-like programs to assist low-income individuals and areas.

Peace and Social Justice promotes democracy and freedom, and helps fund organizations that work for civil rights and fair laws. EMAC funds the arts and cultural institutions and promotes awareness of various cultures in hopes of building strong international relationships.

Susan berresford biography

The money comes from a diversified investment portfolio. During the s, the Ford Foundation functioned mainly as a springboard for liberal ideas but relied on the government to institute them. Such programs as the War on Poverty , the development of public television, and Head Start —a preschool enrichment program for disadvantaged children-were supported by Ford but implemented through government initiative and tax dollars.

But with waning support for government spending in these areas, the Ford Foundation has had to change tactics. With Berresford in the lead, the Ford Foundation is positioning itself as a leader in socially responsible activism. Since government is drastically cutting funds for social programs and services, the private sector, especially nonprofit groups, has had to find new ways to promote social goals.

Instead of relying on tax funds, Ford is now exploring ways to tap into community resources to fund its programs. Berresford joined the Ford Foundation in as a project assistant in the Division of National Affairs. Between and she served as a program officer in that division. In she was named officer in charge of the foundation's women's programs.

She became vice president for the foundation's U. She later became executive vice president and chief operating officer [ citation needed ] of the foundation before being elected the first female president of the foundation on April 3, In , she co-founded the United States Artists and is currently a trustee. In , the philanthropic foundation founded the Berresford Prize which recognizes a cultural practitioner for their work for artists.

Berresford joined the U. She is the convener of the U. Contents move to sidebar hide. Collaborate with us and help shape the future of gender justice. From research to advocacy, our partnerships make real change possible. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive important updates on ICRW's work, insights from our experts, and opportunities to get involved in creating a more just and equal world.

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