The Ford Foundation at Work: Philanthropic Choices, Methods and Styles

In this review of The Ford Foundation at Work, Richard Magat offers a measured, historically grounded examination for readers interested in institutional philanthropy and strategic grantmaking. The book originated from a 1975 trustees request to assess future social needs and the Foundation's role, so the single biggest reason to read it is its insider perspective on how a major foundation evaluated past work and planned future priorities. This review explains who benefits most, the key strengths of the study's approach, and why the report remains useful to students and practitioners of management and leadership in nonprofits.

Key Features

• Origins and purpose: Written at the trustees' request in 1975, the report was designed to survey national and international needs and guide long-term planning.
• Historical review: The author provides a focused review of the Foundation's past activities so readers gain context for later strategy choices.
• Strategic outlook: The study frames potential priorities for the next decade and a half, useful for understanding midcentury philanthropic forecasting.
• Consultative method: The report reflects advice gathered within and outside the Foundation, showing how internal and external perspectives shaped planning.
• Board-driven focus: As a trustee-commissioned study, it highlights governance-level concerns that matter to institutional leaders and trustees.

Who It's For

The Ford Foundation at Work is best for readers studying nonprofit governance, philanthropy, or public policy who want a primary-source look at how a major foundation thought about its responsibilities during a period of leadership change. It is valuable to graduate students, foundation staff, trustees, and historians seeking evidence of how strategic choices were framed in the 1970s.

Those looking for a how-to manual for modern grantmaking or up-to-the-minute data should look elsewhere; the report is a period piece centered on planning and reflection rather than contemporary program toolkits or operational templates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides an authoritative trustee-commissioned perspective on long-range philanthropic planning.
• Balances review of past activity with forward-looking recommendations, helping readers understand continuity and change.
• Incorporates both internal and external advice, illustrating a consultative approach to institutional strategy.

Cons

• The report reflects the concerns and language of its 1975 origin, so some analysis may feel dated for those seeking modern operational guidance.

Specifications

Title	The Ford Foundation at Work: Philanthropic Choices, Methods and Styles
Author	Richard Magat
Commissioned by	Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation
Origin date	Request made in summer of 1975
Scope	Review of past activities and planning for the next decade and a half
Approach	Consultation with internal and external advisers plus trustee discussions

Our Verdict

Magat's report is a compact, thoughtful resource for anyone studying foundation strategy and governance; it is good value as documentary history and as a model of trustee-led planning, though readers should be aware it reflects the priorities and language of the 1970s rather than current operational practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this report commissioned by the foundation's trustees?
Yes. The study originated from a trustees request in the summer of 1975 to prepare for leadership change and future planning.

Does the book include recommendations for future priorities?
Yes. It surveys potential national and international needs and suggests areas where the Foundation might address them over the coming decade and a half.

Is this a practical how-to guide for modern grantmakers?
No. It is primarily a strategic and historical report; readers seeking modern operational guidance should supplement it with contemporary resources.