The Ford Family Foundation

10/23/2026

📣 We have some big news!

The Ford Family Foundation has been named Scholarship Provider of the Year by the National Scholarship Providers Association, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Education was close to the hearts of our founders, Kenneth W. Ford and Hallie E. Ford. And their belief in opening doors for students continues today. For decades, we’ve supported students across Oregon and Siskiyou County, Ca. with scholarships, guidance, leadership development and a community that stays with them long after graduation.

This honor belongs to our Scholars and alumni, our incredibly dedicated Scholarship and Student Success team, and the many partners who work alongside us to help more students achieve their educational dreams.

We’re proud to be in this work together. 🙌
www.tfff.org/foundation-named-scholarship-provider-of-the-year

10/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Karissa Bent as our Early Childhood Program Officer. 📣

Karissa brings deep roots in early childhood education to this role, most recently serving as executive director of Cobb Children’s Learning Center.

Her drive for this work is shaped by years alongside children, families and educators — and by her two remarkable grandmothers whose legacies of perseverance, compassion and advocacy continue to inspire her today.

Welcome, Karissa! 🎉

10/21/2026

Save the date for our first Ford Scholar Information Session of the year. 📣

Money for College: Ford Scholars Program [Virtual]
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6:00 pm
Register to attend at www.tfff.org/event/money-for-college-ford-family-scholarships-ford-scholars-program-for-high-school-seniors-3

This live virtual session is for Oregon and Siskiyou County, Ca. high school students planning to attend college next fall, and their families.

Come learn about the Ford Scholars Program, which awards up to 90% of college cost of attendance. Our Scholarship Office will offer application tips and also be available to answer questions.

10/16/2026

10/13/2026

📣 We’re growing our Policy team!

We believe rural communities should help shape the policies and systems that affect their lives. That takes strong partnerships, good research and a clear rural voice at the tables where decisions are made.

We’re hiring two people to help make that happen.

Senior Policy Strategist: Build partnerships and help shape statewide conversations and policy strategies that reflect rural realities and improve outcomes for rural kids, families and communities.

Policy Analyst: Turn research, data and community experience into clear, actionable insights that strengthen policy and systems change for rural communities.

Interested in helping rural perspectives drive lasting change? Come work with us.

Applications for both positions are open now through November 4, 2026 at 5 pm PDT. Learn more and apply at tfff.org/careers.

10/08/2026

Six counties. Multiple sectors. One shared goal.

Last week, we convened leaders from across southern Oregon to strengthen career pathways for high school students and build deeper regional partnerships. We exchanged ideas, shared promising practices, and tackled the barriers that stand in the way of collaboration.

The challenges are complex, but one thing is clear: no single organization can do this alone.

The good news? The right people are at the table, and we're ready to build together.

Oregon Tech
Klamath Community College (KCC)
Sky Lakes Medical Center
Klamath Falls City Schools
Klamath County School District
Rogue Community College
Southern Oregon University
Southwestern Oregon Community College

10/05/2026

If you're planning to attend college next fall, now’s a great time to learn about our three scholarship programs:

➡️ Ford Scholar
➡️ Ford Transfer
➡️ Ford Opportunity

These scholarships assist residents of Oregon and Siskiyou County, Ca. who are high school seniors, community college transfer students, adults and parents on their journey to college. We support those who face significant obstacles to obtaining a college degree.

Ready for college? We see your potential. Learn more at tfff.org/scholarships.

Application opens December 1, 2026.

10/01/2026

We're hiring a Senior Communications Associate to elevate rural voices, share compelling stories, and deepen engagement with community partners and grantees.

You'll join a collaborative and growing communications team, lead social media strategy, create engaging digital content, and help translate complex ideas into stories that matter.

📍Roseburg, Oregon
🏠 Relocation assistance available
⌛ Application window is short; don't delay

If you're ready to help tell the story of rural communities and their futures, we'd love to hear from you. More information at tfff.org/Careers. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 16, 2026 at 5pm PST.

09/30/2026

These last-chance SelectBooks are leaving our shelves soon! There are still copies available, so now's the time to visit SelectBooks.org if they've been on your reading list.

All SelectBook titles are free, including shipping, to residents of Oregon and Siskiyou County, Ca. 📚

How to Raise a Reader: selectbooks.org/collection/how-to-raise-a-reader

The House on the Cerulean Sea: selectbooks.org/collection/the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea

When You Wonder, You're Learning: selectbooks.org/collection/when-you-wonder-youre-learning

Strategies for Rural Prosperity:
selectbooks.org/collection/rural-prosperity

Building Resilience in Children & Teens: selectbooks.org/collection/building-reslience-in-children-and-teens-giving-kids-roots-and-wings

09/29/2026

Big ideas.
Honest conversations.
Rural perspectives at the table.

Our team is presenting at , a Philanthropy Northwest conference for regional funders, with sessions on reimagining foundation governance and what it means to center community voice in philanthropy.

If you're attending next week in Anchorage, Alaska, we invite you to come be a part of these sessions!

"Reimagining the Future of Governance"
October 7 at 10:30 am
Our President & CEO Kara Inae Carlisle will join other philanthropic leaders for a candid conversation about transforming foundation governance to meet the demands of this moment and beyond.

"In the Room Where It Happens: How Parent Voice Reshapes Philanthropy"
October 8 at 9 am
Director of Program Strategies Robin Hill-Dunbar and Program Officer Lee Ann Grogen will share lessons from our partnership with Oregon Department of Human Services and the Douglas County Parent Advisory Council. They'll discuss what happens when funders stay in the room as community voices reshape systems in real time.