Kettering Foundation

History

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.

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.[[File:20240920_Sharon_Davies_01.jpg|thumb|225x225px|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.

The institution is a member of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE).

Leadership

The foundation's current president and CEO since April 2022 is Sharon L. Davies. She succeeded {{cite book |url-status=dead

Current board members:

• Sharon L. Davies, President & CEO
• Ed Dorn
• Beverly Wade Hogan
• Les Ihara Jr.
• Peter Levine
• Sherry Magill (Chair)
• Hank Meijer
• Suzanne Morse Moomaw
• Edwin C. Moses
• Kelley Robinson
• Roberto Saba

Focus Areas

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

Fellowships

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

The Katherine W. Fanning Fellowship in Journalism and Democracy

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.

The Charles F. Kettering Global Fellowship

The Charles F. Kettering Global Fellowship brings together international leaders from fields like academia, civil society, and journalism to support the foundation’s work on democracy.

List of 2025 Charles F. Kettering Global Fellows:

• Koketso Moeti
• Chris Njeri Muriithi
• Flávia Pellegrino
• Gábor Scheiring
• Ivan Vejvoda

The David Mathews Democracy Fellowship Award

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.

The Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship

Named in honor of Ruth Yellowhawk, who was a radio journalist and storyteller dedicated to community-centered reporting. 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.

Senior Fellows

Kettering Foundation senior fellows collaborate with the foundation to further its mission of promoting inclusive democracy. List of 2026 Kettering Foundation Senior Fellows:

• Stacey Abrams
• William J. Barber II
• Johnnetta Betsch Cole
• James Comey
• David French
• Neal Katyal
• María Teresa Kumar
• Steven Levitsky
• Sarah Longwell
• J. Michael Luttig
• Maureen O’Connor

References

References

1. (9 May 2013). "Charles F. Kettering Foundation".
2. "Who We Are - Kettering Foundation".
3. Staff, Kettering. (2024-02-12). "Defending Democracy: The Kettering Foundation 2023 Annual Report". Kettering Foundation.
4. (4 November 2021). "About Us". SOCHE.
5. "The Katherine W. Fanning Fellowship in Journalism and Democracy".
6. (30 November 2000). "{{!}} Explorations in Black Leadership, U.Va.".
7. (2022-01-01). "Edwin Dorn {{!}} LBJ School of Public Affairs".
8. "Peter Levine {{!}} Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life".
9. (2024-10-31). "OPINION {{!}} Generational records: A 20-year forecast {{!}} Jacksonville Today".
10. Business, Crain's Grand Rapids. (2024-10-22). "Hank Meijer {{!}} Grand Rapids 200 2024".
11. (2019-12-13). "Suzanne Morse Moomaw Named Director of the University of Virginia Press {{!}} UVA Today".
12. Hetzer, Rowan. (January 29, 2025). "Dayton native, Olympic icon Edwin C. Moses joins Charles Kettering Foundation". Dayton Business Journal.
13. (2018-12-20). "Roberto Saba '95 LL.M., '11 J.S.D. Elected to Kettering Foundation Board {{!}} Yale Law School".
14. Kettering.org. "Focus Areas".
15. Kettering.org. "Fellowships".
16. Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation awards fellowship to Judy Woodruff".
17. Staff, Kettering. (2025-02-18). "Kettering Foundation Awards Five 2025 Global Fellowships".
18. "Charles F. Kettering Global Fellowship".
19. (2025-04-15). "Georgetown University in Qatar Professor Recognized as Global Thought Leader on Democracy with Prestigious Fellowship".
20. Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation Awards Fellowship to Kathleen Sebelius".
21. "Ruth Yellowhawk, former WYSO radio personality, dies from cancer".
22. Foundation, Charles F. Kettering. "Kettering Foundation Awards Fellowship to Joy Harjo".
23. "Senior Fellows".