Ford, Benson, 1919-1978.

Benson Ford, the second son of Edsel Bryan and Eleanor Clay Ford and grandson of Henry and Clara Ford, worked for Ford Motor Company in a number of different capacities before becoming a vice-president, director of its Lincoln-Mercury Division, and chairman of the company's Dealer Policy Board. Active in civic and community affairs, he was at various times a member of the board of trustees of the Edison Institute (now The Henry Ford), Seaboard Properties Company, Henry Ford Hospital, among others. He also served as a trustee of the Ford Foundation from 1947 to 1976. The Ford Foundation was created with $25,000 in original capital by Henry and Edsel Ford in 1936 as a philanthropic, non-profit Michigan corporation. Its purpose as outlined in the articles of incorporation was to receive and distribute funds for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes or "for any purpose that will increase the welfare of mankind." In 1950, the foundation moved its headquarters to New York and began to provide grants on a national and international level. Divestment of the Ford Motor Company occurred between 1955 and 1974. The foundation no longer has ties to the Ford Motor Company or the Ford family. It is guided by an international board of trustees, who rely on an international staff to explore funding possibilities, evaluate grant applications, and recommend grants for approval.

From the description of Ford Foundation subject file records, 1947-1977 (bulk 1966-1976) (The Henry Ford). WorldCat record id: 69931236