Ford Philanthropy: Driving Progress Through Longstanding Partnerships

American Red Cross disaster relief support

The American Red Cross: During World War I, Ford worked with the U.S. Surgeon General's office to design a Model T-based ambulance ideal for battlefield conditions that were used by the American Red Cross and other organizations during the war. During World War II, Ford partnered with the American Red Cross to host blood drives and provide vehicles to the American Red Cross Motor Corp. - a group of women volunteers who visited and transported wounded or sick soldiers and delivered blood, food and supplies to airstrips for overseas transport.

American Red Cross received one of the philanthropy's first contributions when it was established in 1949. Through the years, we have hosted employee blood drives at Ford plants and offices across Southeast Michigan, supported relief and rebuilding efforts for hundreds of natural disasters and have been a longtime member of the American Red Cross Disaster Giving Program.