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Kettering Foundation

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Charles F. Kettering Foundation
AbbreviationKettering Foundation
Formation1927
TypeFoundation (nonprofit)
Legal status501(c)(3)
HeadquartersDayton, OH, United States
President and CEO
Sharon L. Davies
Key people
  • John R. Dedrick
Revenue$15,326,258[1] (2023)
Expenses$19,655,231[1] (2023)
Websitewww.kettering.org

The Kettering Foundation is a US-based non-partisan research foundation founded in 1927 by Charles F. Kettering that works to inspire and connect individuals and organizations to advance thriving and inclusive democracies around the globe. The foundation believes that "all people belong and have the right to engage in and shape a democracy that serves them."[2]

The foundation's current president and CEO since April 2022 is Sharon L. Davies. She succeeded [3] F. David Mathews[4][5] who presided over the foundation from 1981 to 2022. Current board members include Beverly Wade Hogan, Les Ihara Jr., Hank Meijer, and Edwin C. Moses.[6] Past notable board members have included Lisle Carter, Jr.,[7] Katherine W. Fanning,[8] Daniel Kemmis, and Daniel Yankelovich.

History

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Charles F. Kettering, pictured with his first electric starter

The foundation was established in 1927 in Dayton, Ohio, with the mission of conducting scientific research for the betterment of humanity. Founded by Charles Franklin Kettering, a prolific inventor and former General Motors executive, the foundation initially focused on areas aligned with his interests, including science education, energy conservation, and medical research. Dayton, a hub of innovation, was a fitting home for the foundation, given its connection to pioneering advancements such as the Wright brothers’ early aviation work.

After Kettering’s passing in 1958, the foundation expanded its focus to address societal needs, shifting its research toward primary and secondary education. By 1968, it moved away from traditional grantmaking to concentrate on its own research, with prominent figures such as George Gallup and Norman Cousins influencing its direction. This period saw the foundation explore topics such as citizen participation, international relations, and the role of journalism in public discourse.

F. David Mathews

In the 1980s, under the leadership of F. David Mathews, the foundation deepened its commitment to democratic engagement by experimenting with public deliberation, bringing citizens together to discuss pressing societal issues. It also collaborated with educators and community leaders to explore the role of active citizenship in democracy. As it entered the 21st century, the foundation refined its research around the question of how to make democracy function effectively.

Sharon L. Davies

Today, under the leadership of Sharon L. Davies, it continues to champion inclusive democracy by fostering citizen engagement, ensuring government accountability, and resisting authoritarianism.[9]

Focus Areas

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The foundation has five primary research focus areas:

  1. Defending Inclusive Democracy
  2. Information for a Democratic Society
  3. Democracy and Community
  4. Democracy and the Arts
  5. Democracy around the Globe[10]

Fellowships

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The foundation awards several fellowships[11] to support its mission. Kettering Foundation fellows are distinguished global leaders and experts dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges facing democracy.

The Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship

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Named in honor of Ruth Yellowhawk, who was a radio journalist and storyteller dedicated to community-centered reporting.[12] She worked with the foundation from 1997 to 2010.

In January 2025, the foundation awarded its Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship to American Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.[13]

Senior Fellows

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Kettering Foundation senior fellows collaborate with the foundation to further its mission of promoting inclusive democracy.

List of 2025 Kettering Foundation Senior Fellows:[14]

The David Mathews Democracy Fellowship Award

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Named in honor of David Mathews, who served as the foundation's president and CEO from 1981 to 2022.

In August 2023, the foundation awarded its first David Mathews Democracy Fellowship to Kathleen Sebelius, former governor of Kansas and a cabinet member in the Obama administration.[15]

The Katherine W. Fanning Fellowship in Journalism and Democracy

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Named in honor Katherine “Kay” W. Fanning, a trailblazing newspaper editor and publisher who played a significant role on the Kettering Foundation’s board of directors for 12 years, including serving as chair from 1994 to 1996.

In August 2023, the foundation awarded its Katherine W. Fanning Fellowship in Journalism and Democracy to Judy Woodruff, veteran correspondent and former anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour.[16]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Charles F. Kettering Foundation". ProPublica. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Who We Are - Kettering Foundation". www.kettering.org. Retrieved 2024-08-19.
  3. ^ Sirianni, Carmen; Lewis Friedland (2001). Civic innovation in America: community empowerment, public policy, and the movement for civic renewal. U of California P. p. 256. ISBN 978-0-520-22637-1.
  4. ^ "Reconnecting People and Politics". Washington Post. 1992-07-29.
  5. ^ "About the Foundation: Who We Are". Kettering Foundation. Archived from the original on 2009-10-10. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  6. ^ Kettering.org. "Our People". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
  7. ^ Wiseman, Lauren (2009-09-26). "Leading HEW Official Became First to Guide UDC". Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
  8. ^ "The Katherine W. Fanning Fellowship in Journalism and Democracy". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-02-23.
  9. ^ Staff, Kettering (2024-02-12). "Defending Democracy: The Kettering Foundation 2023 Annual Report". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
  10. ^ Kettering.org. "Focus Areas". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  11. ^ Kettering.org. "Fellowships". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  12. ^ "Ruth Yellowhawk, former WYSO radio personality, dies from cancer". dayton-daily-news. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  13. ^ Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation Awards Fellowship to Joy Harjo". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  14. ^ "Senior Fellows". Kettering Foundation. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  15. ^ Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation Awards Fellowship to Kathleen Sebelius". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
  16. ^ Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation awards fellowship to Judy Woodruff". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
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