INTRODUCTION

What should The Ford Foundation do concerning today's problems of human welfare? In what areas and in what ways can it contribute most to the increased realization of democratic goals, and thus to the advance of human welfare?

In the Committee's opinion the most important problems of human welfare now lie in the realm of democratic society, in man's relation to man, in human relations and social organization. Even the largest of foundations, however, could not support simultaneous attacks upon all the important problems embraced in this area; careful choice is obviously necessary.

In selecting the programs which follow, the Committee has been influenced by a number of considerations. Since The Ford Foundation does not have sufficient resources to undertake the solution or alleviation of all problems, it should concentrate strategically upon those areas showing maximum promise of progress, including the relief or elimination of significant factors which tend to block it. The less risky, though often more expensive, task of following up any break-through would be left to others. By proceeding in this manner the Foundation can remain sufficiently flexible to redirect its operations to strategic attack upon still other important problems as conditions change and circumstances warrant.