Ford Foundation Fellowship in Nonprofit Law

What is the Ford Foundation Fellowship in Nonprofit Law?

The Ford Foundation Fellowship in Nonprofit Law permits a Fellow each year to spend a year in residence at the Ford Foundation’s Office of Legal Services in New York, working with the General Counsel and staff of attorneys to provide legal advice on grantmaking, operations, governance, human resources, and investments.  The Fellow will also work closely with the foundation’s Grants Compliance department and engage with program and operations staff in New York and ten global offices on a variety of initiatives and special projects. 

A Fellowship at the Ford Foundation will provide a recent law school graduate with exposure to an unusually wide variety of domestic and international legal issues encountered by private foundations operating globally.

Who can be a Ford Foundation Fellow in Nonprofit Law?
Each year, fellowships are awarded to a U.S. law school graduates.  Fellows are selected for their scholarship, leadership, and commitment to practicing in the field of nonprofit law. Fellows will be selected without regard to the applicant’s race, color, religion, gender, political beliefs, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Ford Foundation

Across eight decades, the Ford Foundation has sought to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Founded by Edsel Ford (son of Henry Ford) in 1936, the foundation is now an independent organization, led by a distinguished board of trustees whose members hail from four continents and bring leadership and expertise in a wide range of disciplines. Today the foundation stewards a $14 billion endowment, making $500 million in grants around the world every year. Led by Darren Walker, its 10th president, it remains committed to its enduring mission—and to its legacy of bold, creative support for social change. 

For more on the Ford Foundation’s mission and work, please visit www.fordfoundation.org.

Term and Salary

The term of the Ford Foundation Fellowship is one year. The Fellows will receive a salary of $100,000 plus benefits.

2025-2026 Fellowship Application Information and Form