Recent News
$8,500 in Prizes Awarded to High School Students in Annual Presidential Essay Contest
Grand Rapids, MI
May 12, 2024
CONGRATS to our 2024 Student Writing Challenge winners! Over 800 voices shared what “American citizen” means to them. We partnered with Meijer to award over $8,000 in cash prizes & Meijer gift cards.
“It is so heartening to see how many of our young students are engaged with their communities and public service,” said Gleaves Whitney, the Foundation’s executive director. “We received more essays from more places this year than ever before and they were truly inspiring. We thank the students’ families and teachers for implanting such virtue in our young people. They are our future, and it gives us hope.”
Read their essays: bit.ly/swc-winners
Upcoming Events
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation fosters awareness of the life and legacy of America’s 38th President through activities promoting the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service. Join us as we celebrate 50 years since he took office, and see how you can help us continue the legacy.
2023 Gerald R. ford award for public service
Each year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awards the Medal for Distinguished Public Service to persons who have served the public good in the private and public sector.
The 2023 recipient was Robert M. Gates, Ph.D. Robert M. Gates served as the 22nd Secretary of Defense (2006-2011).
In recognition of the award Dr. Gates delivered the annual William E. Simon Lecture in Public Affairs.
Foundation Partners
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
DeVos Learning Center
Past Events & News
Landmark First Ladies Conference With FLARE & AU Honored Betty Ford
Expert Panelists Wowed the House With Stories of Betty Ford's Impact The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation partnered with three impressive organizations to give a free presentation on the work of First Ladies in history, specifically focused on Betty Ford. The...
First Lady Jill Biden the Keynote Speaker at America’s First Ladies Luncheon
First Lady Jill Biden was our guest speaker at our Annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26, 2024, marking the first time a sitting first lady has joined us to keynote this event. As First Lady, Dr. Biden has championed numerous efforts, including the first-ever White...
Attack from Within – An Evening with Barbara McQuade
Attack from Within is an urgent, comprehensive explanation of the ways disinformation is impacting democracy, and practical solutions that can be pursued to strengthen the public, media, and truth-based politics.
Support the Foundation
Your donation supports important Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum activities, which are not funded by the Federal government. Examples of supported activities include exhibits, speakers, educational programs and community events. DONATE TODAY!
- Student programs at the DeVos Learning Center
- Temporary Exhibits such as ‘In Step with Betty Ford’
- Student Essay Challenge with scholarship prize
- Underwriting Opportunities
- Archival research grants at the Library and Museum
