The Ford Foundation is a private, non-profit philanthropic organisation founded in 1936 by Henry and Edsel Ford with a view to the development of international peace and human welfare. Its goals are: (i) to strengthen democratic values; (ii) to reduce poverty and injustice; (iii) to promote international co-operation; and (iv) to advance human achievement. A fundamental challenge facing every society is to create political, economic and social systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. The Foundation believes that the best way to meet this challenge is to encourage initiatives by those living and working closest to where problems are located; to promote collaboration among the non-profit, government and business sectors; and to ensure participation by men and women from diverse communities and at all levels of society. In its experience, such activities help build common understanding, enhance excellence, enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society. The Ford Foundation works mainly by making grants or loans that build knowledge and strengthen organisations and networks. Since its financial resources are modest in comparison to societal needs, it focuses on a limited number of problem areas and programme strategies within its broad goals. The Ford Foundation operates in three broad areas: Asset Building and Community Development, Peace and Social Justice, and Education, Media, Arts and Culture. The Media, Arts and Culture (MAC) unit seeks to strengthen the arts and media as vibrant and crucial contributors to the communities and societies in which they function. In order to accomplish this goal MAC works in two fields: (i) in media its work seeks to promote free and responsible news media and to develop infrastructures that serve the civic needs of society and its diverse constituencies, in addition it supports high-quality productions that enrich public dialogue on such core issues as building democratic values and pluralism; (ii) in arts and culture its goal is to strengthen opportunities for artistic creativity and cultural expression that will generate the hope, understanding, courage and confidence needed for societies to help citizens fulfil their potential. Programme officers in the United States, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Russia explore opportunities to pursue the Foundation's goals, formulate strategies and recommend proposals for funding. Since its inception the Ford Foundation has disbursed over US$10 billion in grants and loans.