The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice
A landmark building transformed into a hub for social good and the courageous people who devote their lives to achieving it.
81,000 square feet of convening space for the social sector, plus a public garden and art gallery celebrating work toward justice, dignity, and fairness.
Plan Your Visit →
Why This Space Matters
In an era of rising division and uncertainty, social change leaders need more than just virtual connections. They need physical space to:
The Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice addresses this need by providing:
- Accessible, world-class meeting and event spaces for nonprofits and foundations
- A public gathering place that welcomes everyone working toward justice
- Infrastructure that breaks down barriers between organizations
- A physical symbol of commitment to long-term social change work
- A beautiful, inspiring environment that honors the dignity of all people
Located at 320 East 43rd Street in New York City, just two blocks from Grand Central Station and near the United Nations, the center sits at a global crossroads where changemakers from around the world naturally gather.
An Architectural Landmark Reimagined
From Icon to Inclusion (1967-2018):
🏛️ Original Building
Designed by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, opened 1967, designated NYC landmark 1997
🔨 Renovation
$190M transformation by Gensler (2015-2018) brought building into 21st century
🌿 Atrium Garden
First indoor public atrium in Manhattan office building, fully restored
♿ Accessibility
Exceeds ADA requirements with braille wayfinding, power-assist doors, same-level access
Key Transformation Principles:
- Transparency: Removed private offices from atrium perimeter so everyone enjoys views, not just select leaders
- Collaboration: Open-plan design reduced Ford Foundation's footprint by one-third to create more shared space
- Inclusion: Went beyond code requirements to ensure truly equitable experience for all visitors
- Sustainability: LEED Gold certification, upgraded systems for environmental responsibility
- Mission-Driven: Every design choice reflects belief in inherent dignity of all people
Architectural Recognition:
- 2020 AIA Interior Architecture Award
- AIA COTE Top 10 Award for sustainability
- Featured in architectural publications worldwide as model for mission-driven design
- Preserves Kevin Roche's modernist vision while making it more accessible and useful
Spaces and Programming
Atrium Garden
Indoor garden with trees, plants, and seating open to public during visiting hours
Visit →Ford Foundation Gallery
Public art gallery featuring works engaging issues of justice, dignity, and fairness
View Exhibitions →Event Spaces
81,000 sq ft including state-of-the-art auditorium available to mission-aligned organizations
Book Space →Convening Areas
54,000 sq ft of meeting space for grantees and nonprofits advancing social change
Learn More →Public Access:
- Garden Hours: Monday-Friday during visiting hours (check website for current schedule)
- Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. when exhibitions on view
- Admission: Free with pre-registration required
- Tours: Docent-led tours available for large groups by reservation
- Location: 320 East 43rd Street, main entrance wheelchair accessible
Meeting Rooms Named for Social Justice Visionaries:
- Each room honors distinguished leaders whose work reflects the Foundation's mission
- Plaques outside each room tell their stories
- Design integrates historic imagery including 1965 Selma to Montgomery march
- "We Believe in the Inherent Dignity of All People" murals throughout building
Building Community
Resident Organizations Working Together:
🌍 Ford Foundation
International social justice philanthropy, over 80 years advancing human welfare
🇺🇳 UN Foundation
Builds partnerships to address global challenges through UN system
💝 Philanthropy New York
Network serving philanthropic and nonprofit sectors in New York region
🤲 Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of NY
Strengthening and connecting New York's nonprofit community
Why These Organizations Share Space:
- Create synergies between local and global social change work
- Foster cross-sector collaboration and learning
- Demonstrate that social justice requires working together
- Model transparency and shared resources
- Build stronger ecosystem for nonprofit and philanthropic sectors
Design Philosophy:
- Open workspaces encourage collaboration across organizations
- Doubled convening capacity from original building layout
- Clear views through building make work visible and invite connection
- Shared amenities create natural gathering opportunities
- Physical layout reinforces mission of breaking down hierarchies
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address
320 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017
🚇 Transit
Two blocks from Grand Central (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains and Metro-North)
🚗 By Car
Covered driveway at 43rd Street entrance for drop-off and pick-up
☎️ Contact
(212) 573-5000 · publicprograms@fordfoundation.org
Accessibility Features:
- Main entrance at 320 East 43rd Street fully wheelchair accessible
- Power-assist doors throughout building
- Same-level access to reception, welcome lounge, and gallery
- Braille integrated into all wayfinding signage
- Coded signage program for seamless navigation
- Digital interactive welcome guide identifying resources
- Accommodations available with advance notice (minimum two weeks)
Before You Visit:
- Pre-registration required for gallery and garden visits
- Check website for current exhibition and visiting hours
- Large groups (15+) encouraged to make reservations in advance
- Please reschedule if experiencing symptoms of illness
- Photography permitted in garden and gallery for personal use
