Ford Presidential Foundation Statement

Grand Rapids, MI
April 10, 2024

 The following statement on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is from Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Ford Presidential Foundation:

The Ford family has been close to the Cheney family for five decades. So when the Ford Presidential Foundation asked Liz Cheney to serve on our Board of Trustees, we were honored that she joined our team in 2021. She continues to serve in good standing. 

Not only that, Liz Cheney meets all the criteria the Ford Presidential Foundation medal signifies—courage, integrity, and passion to serve the American people.​ 

The Foundation’s decision not to give Congresswoman Liz Cheney the 2024 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service is not a reflection on her but on the law governing nonprofits. The Foundation’s action this year in no way precludes her from serious consideration to receive the medal in a future year.

The Foundation’s executive committee, guided by its legal counsel, concluded that it was not prudent to award the 2024 Ford medal to Liz Cheney. At the time the award was being discussed, it was publicly reported that Liz was under active consideration for a presidential run. Exercising its fiduciary responsibility, the executive committee concluded that giving the Ford medal to Liz in the 2024 election cycle might be construed as a political statement and thus expose the Foundation to the legal risk of losing its nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service. 

As stated by the IRS in its publication, “The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations”:

Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity.  Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

#Ford50: Becoming Vice President

On December 6, 1973, Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 40th Vice President of the United States of America, forever elevating him as an exemplary statesman and leader. When his journey started on that day, he would be faced with challenges of restoring faith in the American Presidency. He rose to that challenge by displaying virtue and honesty at all times, showing the American people how a president should govern. Ford created a legacy of leadership, truth, and community through his presidency, and his legacy lives on today through leaders that follow his example.

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.

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. 

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