A Ford man joins the "family" philanthropy

Henry Ford III is joining the "family" philanthropy. The scion of the famous family is the newest board member at The Ford Foundation – and the first Ford to serve as a trustee since his grandfather, Henry Ford II. Current foundation President Darren Walker played a key role in bringing in Henry Ford III for a six-year term, according to Feb. 25 press release.  

“Ever since Darren became president, he’s done a really good job reaching out to the family,” Ford said in the press release. “He’s given us updates and kept us involved in the foundation.”

A spokesman clarified post-publication that the philanthropy – which was established in 1936 by Edsel Ford and Henry Ford – is an independent foundation.

Rising Ground has received a special proclamation from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Cecile Noel, commissioner of the Mayor's Office to End Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence, was on hand to present the honor on Feb. 25, which recognizes the nonprofit’s STEPS to End Family Violence program.
 

Commissioner Noel presents an awesome proclamation to the @risinggroundny @STEPStoEndFV #RAPP program! pic.twitter.com/pFnGyiU8Uo

— Rising Ground (@risinggroundny) February 25, 2019

The Institute for Family Health has received a $100,000 contract from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The money will fund affordable health care for immigrants, according to the City Record. Planned Parenthood of NYC has received a $303,125 contract from the agency to provide reproductive health services.

RiseBoro Community Partnership and St. Nicks Alliance are behind a new 20-unit affordable housing development in Brooklyn. The New York City Planning Commission gave the green light on Feb. 13 for the project to continue, according to the New York Law School CityLand blog. The project, located on city-owned land at 63 Stockholm Street in Bushwick, will be 100 percent affordable when it opens. Read more here.

The NoVo Foundation has announced $10 million in new funding for reducing commercial sex trafficking. The three-year commitment will fund the Life Story Grants initiative, which focuses on people affected by the sex trade, according to a Feb. 20 press release. The New York City-based nonprofit is currently accepting letters of inquiry.

“System failures call for systems-based solutions to create lasting change – and that’s where we see an untapped opportunity for anyone who wants to improve the lives of marginalized girls and women,” Pamela Shifman, executive director of the NoVo Foundation, said in the press release. “Practitioners in critical systems – like teachers, social workers, bus drivers, police officers, emergency room doctors, and immigration officials – come into contact with people in sexual exploitation every day. By offering compassion, resources, and opportunity, these practitioners can close an on-ramp to exploitation – or open an exit ramp.”