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From the moment Henry Ford put the world on wheels, Ford has stood for not just cars, but mobility. More than just helping people move from one place to another, Ford gives people the opportunity to reach and achieve more. That same ethos drives Ford Philanthropy today. Rebranded from the “Ford Fund” to reflect a deeper, more holistic commitment, Ford Philanthropy is using the company’s global reach and core strength of mobility to help people move forward not just in life—but on the road.
We invited Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy, to share how her team is redefining what corporate giving looks like. From co-creating community centers to launching the “Building Together” initiative that connects Ford’s 3,000+ dealers and employee volunteers with national nonprofits, Ford is uniting its assets to deliver impact at scale. Whether through mobile health clinics or restoring Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station as a beacon of innovation and equity, Ford Philanthropy is tackling one of the greatest barriers to equity: access. For any purpose-driven leader, the message is clear: legacy, when aligned with innovation and humility, can be one of the most powerful tools for change.
Listen for insights on:
- Identifying philanthropic solutions in local communities
- Mobilizing corporate assets beyond dollars
- Evolve a legacy program into a modern philanthropy platform
Resources + Links:
- Mary Culler’s LinkedIn
- Ford Philanthropy
- New York Times: Ford Rescues a Detroit Train Station as It Plots Its Own Future
- Tennessee Community Center
- (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
- (01:19) - Mary Culler from Ford Philanthropy
- (03:22) - Mary’s Background
- (04:52) - Their Focus
- (06:45) - Rebranding
- (07:59) - Committed to America ad
- (09:31) - The Stanton Story
- (11:31) - Michigan Central Station
- (13:55) - Building Together Initiative
- (17:26) - Volunteerism
- (18:40) - Building Together
- (19:11) - Transportation Gap
- (20:53) - Mobile Health
- (21:27) - Deciding Where the Money Goes
- (22:07) - Future of Philanthropy
- (22:54) - Proving You’re Having an Impact
- (24:00) - The Station
- (24:42) - Last Word
- (25:42) - Wrap Up
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