10, Nov 2026
Odisha Weather Update: Night Temperature to Drop by 2–4°C, Winter Chill Intensifies Across State
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): Odisha is likely to experience a sharper winter chill over the next few days, with minimum temperatures expected to fall by 2–4 degrees Celsius across several parts of the state, according to weather experts.
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The gradual decline in night temperatures has already signalled the onset of winter conditions, with both interior and coastal districts beginning to experience cooler nights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated a further drop of around 2–3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the coming days.
Phulbani recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 14°C on Sunday night. Daringbadi and Bhawanipatna followed with 15°C each, while Jharsuguda and Nabarangpur recorded 16°C. Keonjhar registered 16.6°C, and Rayagada recorded 17°C.
Cool northerly winds have contributed to the falling temperatures, particularly across interior Odisha, where the winter chill is becoming increasingly noticeable.
According to Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of the Centre for Climate and Environment (CEC) at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), relatively cool weather conditions are likely to continue over the next few days. However, a trough extending from eastern Uttar Pradesh towards central Odisha may trigger light rainfall in some interior areas during the next two days.
Agricultural meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pashupalak has also indicated a further decline in minimum temperatures. Night temperatures may fall by 2–4°C over the next 48 to 72 hours, bringing colder conditions to several districts.
Interior Odisha is likely to record minimum temperatures ranging from 12°C to 16°C, while coastal districts may experience night temperatures between 17°C and 20°C.
Phulbani in Kandhamal, Similiguda in Koraput, Jharsuguda and Keonjhar are among the places likely to experience relatively colder conditions.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has forecast light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in north Odisha and adjoining regions until November 12. Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts may receive light rainfall at one or two locations.
The combination of falling night temperatures and isolated rainfall is likely to bring a noticeable change in weather conditions across Odisha. Residents, particularly in interior and hilly regions, may experience colder nights and early mornings over the coming days.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Nov 2026
Fifth Mandia Divas in Odisha to Spotlight Millet Farming, Indigenous Seeds and Food Security
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): Odisha is set to celebrate the fifth edition of Mandia Divas on November 10 and 11 with a two-day state-level conference in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the importance of traditional seed conservation, agricultural biodiversity and climate-resilient farming practices.
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The event, organised by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, will be held at Mayfair Convention under the theme “Community-based Seed Systems and Agricultural Biodiversity for Resilient Food Systems”.
Governor Braj Mohan Ram will inaugurate the conference in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat and other distinguished guests.
The two-day programme will bring together agricultural scientists, policymakers, farmers, traditional seed conservators and other stakeholders to deliberate on ways to strengthen indigenous farming systems and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Key discussions will focus on conserving traditional crop varieties, protecting agricultural biodiversity, strengthening community-based seed systems and improving the resilience of farming communities against climate-related challenges.
The conference will also explore opportunities to expand the cultivation and marketing of millets, particularly through greater participation of tribal and rural farming communities.
A special exhibition will be organised alongside the conference, showcasing traditional seeds, millet-based food products, indigenous cuisines and innovative agricultural practices. The exhibition is expected to provide a platform for farmers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities in the millet sector.
Mandia Divas was instituted in 2022 under the Odisha government’s flagship Sri Anna Abhiyan to recognise the contribution of tribal and rural communities in conserving traditional crops and promoting millet cultivation.
Over the years, the observance has emerged as an important platform for highlighting the nutritional value of millets, preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.
Through the fifth edition, Odisha aims to further strengthen community-led seed conservation, promote agricultural diversity and build more resilient food systems while recognising the role of farmers in safeguarding the state’s traditional agricultural heritage.
10, Nov 2026
Major Relief for OCS Aspirants as Odisha Cabinet Removes Maximum Attempt Limit
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): In a significant decision that is expected to benefit thousands of civil services aspirants, the Odisha government has abolished the restriction on the number of attempts for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination.
The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved an amendment to the Odisha Civil Services (Combined Competitive Recruitment Examination) Rules, 1991, paving the way for eligible candidates to appear for the examination without any limit on the number of attempts.
Under the revised rules, candidates will be permitted to take the OCS examination as many times as they wish, provided they meet the prescribed age limit and fulfil all other eligibility conditions.
The decision marks a major change in the state’s civil services recruitment framework and is expected to bring considerable relief to candidates who have been unable to secure a position despite multiple attempts.
The removal of the attempt cap will give aspirants more opportunities to prepare, improve their performance and compete for positions in the state administrative services.
The government said the amendment is aimed at providing wider and fairer opportunities to eligible candidates and ensuring that selection to the Odisha Civil Services remains merit-based.
The decision is also expected to encourage more young people to pursue careers in public administration by removing the additional pressure associated with a fixed number of examination attempts.
However, the existing prescribed age criteria and other eligibility requirements will continue to apply. The removal of the attempt limit does not mean that candidates who exceed the permissible age will become eligible to appear for the examination.
10, Nov 2026
Odisha to Provide 1 GB Free Daily Wi-Fi Data to College Students Under Rs 393-Crore Scheme
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): In a major push towards digital education, the Odisha government has approved a ₹393.62-crore scheme to provide free high-speed Wi-Fi facilities across government and aided colleges in the state.
The State Cabinet has cleared the flagship initiative, titled ‘Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to All Colleges and Universities’, which will be implemented over three years, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2028-29.
Under the scheme, free, secure and high-speed internet connectivity will be extended to 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha. The initiative will build on the first phase of the programme, which has already covered 130 colleges.
As part of the facility, every authenticated student will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free internet data per day within the college campus. The service is intended to facilitate academic learning, research activities and skill development.
The project will involve the installation of Wi-Fi infrastructure, provision of internet bandwidth, network management, cybersecurity arrangements and regular operation and maintenance support. A centralised monitoring dashboard will also be introduced to oversee network performance, service availability, security and effective utilisation of the facility.
The free internet facility is expected to expand students’ access to a wide range of digital learning resources, including e-books, digital libraries, virtual classrooms, SWAYAM and other Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Students will also be able to access research databases, competitive examination materials and digital skill development platforms.
Additionally, the connectivity will facilitate access to important e-governance services, including the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), Higher Education Management Information System (HIMS) and online scholarship portals.
According to the government, the initiative is expected to benefit more than six lakh students and faculty members across government and aided higher education institutions in Odisha.
Students from rural, remote and economically disadvantaged backgrounds are expected to gain significantly from the programme, as it will reduce dependence on personal mobile data and provide more equitable access to online educational resources.
The scheme is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Digital India initiative. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9 and 10, focusing on quality education, infrastructure development and reducing inequalities.
With this initiative, the state government aims to strengthen the digital infrastructure of higher education institutions and create more inclusive learning opportunities, contributing to its broader vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat.
10, Nov 2026
Odisha Cabinet Approves Paddy Procurement Policy, Farmers to Get Rs 3,100 per Quintal
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): The Odisha government has set an ambitious target of procuring around 78 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy from farmers during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27, following the state Cabinet’s approval of the Food and Paddy Procurement Policy.
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The policy was among 13 proposals approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday. The procurement plan aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, streamline the procurement process and maintain an uninterrupted supply of rice for public distribution and other welfare programmes.
Under the approved policy, the government aims to procure 78 LMT of paddy, equivalent to approximately 53 LMT of rice. Farmers will receive ₹3,100 per quintal, inclusive of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and additional input assistance.
A key focus of the policy is to make paddy procurement more transparent, technology-driven and farmer-friendly. For this purpose, the government will integrate the Paddy Procurement Automation System (P-PAS) with Aadhaar-based e-KYC, Bhulekh land records and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) platform.
The registration process will also involve 100 per cent field verification of farmers, along with satellite-based assessment of cultivated areas supported by Digital Crop Survey (DCS) data.
In a significant step towards inclusive procurement, eligible sharecroppers, locally known as Bhaga Chasis, will also be allowed to register and sell their produce through digital consent and biometric or mobile-based authentication of landowners.
To ensure timely payments, the procurement policy provides for direct transfer of the MSP amount to farmers’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through NPCI within 24 to 48 hours of procurement.
Procurement operations will be conducted through designated Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs) managed by Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) and Pani Panchayats. Farmers will receive advance SMS notifications in Odia about their procurement schedules and the quantities to be sold.
The government has also proposed several quality-control and monitoring measures, including Fair Average Quality (FAQ) testing, AI-enabled grain analysers at procurement centres handling more than 5,000 metric tonnes, CCTV surveillance and real-time monitoring.
To improve operational efficiency, mill tagging and route optimisation will be introduced to facilitate timely milling and minimise transportation costs.
For grievance redressal, district-level control rooms and a toll-free helpline (1967) will be made available to farmers. The state will also strengthen border checkpoints and CCTV surveillance to prevent unauthorised paddy inflow from neighbouring states.
The Kharif paddy procurement season will run from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
The government said the policy is aimed at ensuring that every eligible farmer gets an opportunity to sell marketable surplus paddy at the assured price without facing procedural hurdles or payment delays.
Besides meeting the state’s requirements under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) and other welfare programmes, surplus rice procured during the season will be supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for inclusion in the Central Pool.
10, Nov 2026
30,000 TONNE BINDING MONAZITE CONCENTRATE OFFTAKE SECURED AHEAD OF DECEMBER PRODUCTION
PERTH, Australia, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lindian Resources Limited (“Lindian” or the “Company“) (ASX: LIN) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore, Lindian Global Rare Earths Pte. Ltd (“Lindian Global“), has executed a binding Offtake Term Sheet (“Binding Term Sheet” or “Offtake“) with a major rare earths refining group[1].
The binding offtake of Monazite Concentrate from the Company’s flagship Kangankunde Rare Earths Project (“Kangankunde” or the “Project“) incorporates both Stage 1 volumes for 10,000 dry metric tonnes (“dmt“) and Stage 2 for 20,000dmt per annum. Together with the previously announced Offtake Agreements with Iluka Resources[2] in Australia, and Carester in France[3], Lindian has now developed a diversified global customer base, with 45,000dmt having also been secured for Stage 2 expansion.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Binding Offtake Term Sheet executed for 30,000dmt, including 10,000dmt per annum (Stage 1) and 20,000dmt per annum (Stage 2) with a major refining group with well-established rare earth chloride and solvent extraction operations.
- First container sea freight from Nacala Port in January 2027 with monthly deliveries of Kangankunde Monazite Concentrate thereafter.
- Geographic and product diversification (Monazite Concentrate, Mixed Rare Earths Carbonate (“MREC”) and SEGH), with multiple counterparties de-risks Lindian’s revenue profile.
- Validation of strong demand for Kangankunde high-grade Monazite Concentrate at 55% Total Rare Earth Oxide (“TREO”) grade with no deleterious elements and low levels of radionuclides (uranium and thorium).
- Strong basket price including 10 rare earth elements including neodymium (“Nd”), praseodymium (“Pr”), dysprosium (“Dy”), terbium (“Tb”), cerium (“Ce”), lanthanum (“La”), samarium (“SM”), europium (“Eu”), gadolinium (“Gd”) and yttrium (“Y”).
- Market-linked pricing including freight and insurance with further upside participation to REO price increases. Magnetic Rare Earth Oxides (“MREOs”), Nd, Pr, Dy and Tb represent majority of the product revenue for Monazite Concentrate.
- Stage 2 allocation now sits at 45,000dmt[4] of Monazite Concentrate demonstrating a strong pipeline past Stage 1 development.
- Additional strong interests from North American permanent magnet manufacturers and refineries for Monazite Concentrate, MREC and SEGH products.
Lindian’s Executive Chairman, Robert Martin, commented:
“This binding Term Sheet represents another significant milestone for Lindian, with Kangankunde Stage 1 Concentrate capacity now fully allocated between our offtake partners and our own SARECO MREC facility, and with over 45,000dmt of Stage 2 volumes procured. With high-quality customers across multiple supply chains, we have established a truly global offtake portfolio ahead of first production in December.
We are looking forward to working closely with our potential partners and the Malawian and Kazakhstan governments to finalise the remaining stage 2 offtakes for Kangankunde and to choosing our offtake partners for our SARECO MREC product”.
Read the full ASX announcement here: https://asx.api.cmfyapp.com/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03159876-6A1354288&v=undefined
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[1] A description of the counterparty is set out in the Key Terms of the Binding Offtake Term Sheet on page 3. |
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[2] Refer ASX announcement “Strategic Partnership with Iluka for Funding and Offtake” dated 6 August 2025. |
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[3] Refer ASX announcement “Strategic Partnership with Carester for Oxide Separation Development and 10-Year Offtake Agreement” 3-Sep-26. |
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[4] Refer ASX Announcement “Strategic Partnership with Iluka for Funding and Offtake” dated 6 August 2025. 45,000dmt per annum Stage 2 allocation includes 20,000dmt per annum under the binding Offtake Term Sheet announced herein and up to 25,000dmt per annum covered by Iluka Resources’ Right of First Refusal in respect of Stage 2 expansion volumes. |
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10, Nov 2026
Panduit Introduces Net-Verse™ Cabinets for Modern Data Center Environments
Next-generation cabinet platform combines improved airflow, reinforced strength, flexible configurations, and service-friendly access
SINGAPORE, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As data centers accommodate higher equipment densities, they face growing demands to improve airflow, support heavier rack configurations, maximize available space, and simplify equipment installation and maintenance. Panduit, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions, introduces Net-Verse™ Cabinets, a next-generation cabinet platform designed to address these challenges with enhanced airflow, reinforced structural strength, improved equipment access, and flexible configurations for modern data center environments.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/panduit/9431151-en-panduit-introduces-net-verse-cabinets-for-modern-data-center-environments
Net-Verse Cabinets feature highly perforated front and rear doors with 78% airflow open area to support cooling in dense network, server, and AI environments. The cabinet door opens 180 degrees to provide greater access during equipment installation and maintenance, while fully adjustable equipment rails simplify placement across a range of equipment sizes and depths.
A reinforced steel frame supports load ratings of up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs.) static and 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs.) rolling, helping data centers accommodate the dense, fully loaded rack configurations associated with evolving infrastructure requirements. Additional airflow-management features include brush cable-entry points in the top cap and a standard bottom cover plate designed to help limit air leakage and debris entry.
“As AI and other high-density applications reshape data center requirements, customers need infrastructure that can adapt alongside them. Net-Verse Cabinets provide a flexible, service-friendly foundation designed to simplify deployment and support evolving infrastructure needs,” said May Odishoo, Product Manager Associate.
The cabinet portfolio is available in 600 mm and 800 mm widths, 1,000 mm and 1,200 mm depths, and 42, 45, and 48 rack-unit heights. Customers can select configurations with or without side panels in black or white. The 800 mm-wide cabinets include front cable-management fingers and front blanking panels, and all cabinets include full-height PDU brackets, adjustable equipment rails, casters, leveling legs, and an assembled, one-per-pallet shipping configuration.
Net-Verse Cabinets are designed for data center, enterprise, and co-location deployments and are compatible with Panduit cable-management accessories and the Net-Contain™ Universal Aisle Containment System. The cabinets comply with EIA-310-E, TIA/EIA-942, GB/T 19520.16-2015, DIN 41494 Part 1 and Part 7, and IEC 60297-3-100:2008.
For more information about Net-Verse Cabinets, visit Panduit.com/cabinets.
About Panduit
Panduit is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Operating from our headquarters in Tinley Park, Ill., USA, and across 112 worldwide locations, we drive innovation through strategic R&D investments and breakthrough product development while providing seamless global support and service. Since 1955, our commitment to our customers and partners has remained constant. And together, with them, we create exceptional solutions that support their businesses in a way that’s good for them and good for the world. Panduit is making the connections that matter. For more information, visit www.panduit.com.
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10, Nov 2026
Manulife Investment Management and UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives collaborate on Japan Private Equity Co-investment programme
HONG KONG, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife Investment Management and UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives (UGA) business, today announced a collaboration on a customized Japan Private Equity Co-investment programme for wealth management clients.
The collaboration brings together Manulife Investment Management’s regional private equity experience, sponsor relationships and underwriting capabilities with UGA’s deep expertise, global scale and distribution power.
“We are pleased to collaborate with UBS’s UGA business on this customized private equity programme, reflecting our aligned commitment to developing innovative private market solutions for wealth investors. This collaboration also underscores our focus on harnessing Manulife Investment Management’s global investment capabilities through strategic partnerships” said Fabio Fontainha, Chief Executive Officer, Wealth & Asset Management, Asia, Manulife.
“Through our complementary capabilities, we aim to provide investors with enhanced access to attractive opportunities in Japan,” said Vipon Ghai, Global Head of Private Equity, Manulife Investment Management. “Our Asia private equity platform is built on longstanding sponsor relationships and disciplined underwriting. This foundation enables us to identify high-quality investment opportunities and build diversified portfolios that deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns,” said Liam Coppinger, Head of Private Equity Asia, Manulife Investment Management.
Natascha Gjergjek, Head of Business Development, UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives: “Private Equity is an increasingly important component of a diversified portfolio. As investors’ needs become more complex, we remain focused on expanding the breadth of differentiated capabilities and tailored solutions to help them navigate an evolving investment landscape.”
Qingkun Guo, Head of Private Equity Asia, UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives: “Through our collaboration, we aim to offer our wealth management clients differentiated access to high-quality, customised co-investment opportunities in an attractive market. Japan is potentially entering a more favourable environment of buyouts for skilled managers, capitalizing on the rising deal flow from business successions, carve-outs and take-privates, with ample room for value creation.”
About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management
As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management’s mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by helping people invest confidently to pursue a more secure financial future. Our strength comes from the diversity of our global asset management expertise and distribution capabilities. Our global investment teams span equities, fixed income, alternative credit, private markets, and multi-asset solutions. We provide investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to millions of individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the heart of our approach are three cultural pillars: Partner for Progress, Trust through Transparency, and Intellectual Curiosity. These values shape how we build long term relationships, develop differentiated investment strategies, and empower advisors and clients to seek meaningful financial outcomes. Whether through cutting-edge technology, AI innovation, personalized advice, or sustainable stewardship, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management is a trusted partner helping clients navigate complexity and invest with confidence. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.
About UBS Unified Global Alternatives (UGA)
UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives (UGA) business brings together our leading alternatives manager selection franchises from Asset Management and Global Wealth Management. With combined invested assets of approximately $371* billion, UGA is one of the leading global alternative LPs. To serve our clients’ alternative investment needs, UGA maintains, manages and curates one of the world’s premier open architecture platforms across hedge funds, private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure and multi-alternative investment products. We are also able to provide access to exclusive co-investments and secondary market opportunities for our more sophisticated clients.
*Data as of 30 September 2026
Disclaimer
Investment involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The information in this material may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events, targets, management discipline or other expectations, and is only as current as of the date indicated. There is no assurance that such events will occur, and may be significantly different than that shown here. The information in this material including statements concerning financial market trends, are based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate and may be superseded by subsequent market events or for other reasons. Investors should not base on this material alone to make investment decision and should read the offering document (if applicable) for details, including the associated risk factors, fees and charges and features of the investment funds under their consideration. This material is issued by Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Media Contacts
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10, Nov 2026
Odisha Approves Rs 99.99 Crore In-Stream Storage Project in Balangir
Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (UDN): The Odisha Cabinet has approved a ₹99.99-crore project to construct an In-Stream Storage Structure across the Indra/Sundar River, a tributary of the Tel River, in Balangir district. The initiative aims to improve water conservation, ensure year-round water availability and strengthen livelihood opportunities in the region.
The proposed structure will come up near Patharla village in Titilagarh block at an estimated cost of ₹99,99,99,999, excluding GST. The project is expected to be completed within 30 calendar months.
According to the project details, the storage facility will capture and conserve excess river water during the monsoon season for utilisation during the lean months, when river water levels typically decline.
Odisha receives nearly 90 per cent of its annual rainfall between June and October. During this period, substantial quantities of river water flow downstream and eventually reach the sea. The proposed structure is intended to help conserve a portion of this water and make it available when required.
The Water Resources Department expects the project to provide a sustainable source of domestic water supply to around 12 villages across Titilagarh and Bangomunda blocks.
Beyond meeting household water requirements, the initiative is also expected to support animal husbandry, fisheries and other livelihood activities that depend on the river’s water resources.
The project is further expected to contribute to groundwater recharge, improve local water availability and support the ecological balance of the surrounding areas.
With the proposed investment, the state government aims to strengthen water security in water-stressed pockets of Balangir district and ensure more effective utilisation of available river water throughout the year.
9, Nov 2026
Ford Foundation Embeds Multiyear Flexible Funding and Institutional Strengthening Across Entire Global Portfolio
Ford establishes 50% multiyear general operating floor worldwide, commits 5% of program
funding to strengthen shared civil society infrastructure.
NEW YORK, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ford Foundation today announced that it will embed multiyear flexible funding and institutional strengthening as default baseline practices across its entire global portfolio as part of its broader Innovation Agenda. This follows the release of How We Meet This Moment, a report outlining the foundation’s new strategic direction.
The move guarantees hundreds of millions of dollars in predictable, flexible capital for organizations navigating increasingly complex conditions worldwide.
The shift builds on insights from Ford’s landmark Building Institutions and Networks (BUILD) initiative, with a decade of grantmaking data showing that civil society partners deliver their strongest work when funders offer multiyear flexible support, invest in institutional health, and trust leaders with the independence to carry out their missions.
Ford is integrating these principles into everyday grantmaking across all areas of work through its Office of Innovation, which will play a crucial part in strategy development over the course of 2027.
Key operational commitments will include:
- A Floor of 50% Multiyear General Support: At least half of Ford’s total annual program grantmaking budget will be anchored in multiyear general operating support (ranging from three to five years), ensuring grantee partners have stability alongside operational flexibility.
- A 5% Commitment to Institutional Strengthening: Starting in 2028, Ford will commit 5% of its annual program budget—an eightfold increase to dedicated capacity funding. Rather than a one-size-fits-all requirement, these institutional strengthening resources will be available to Ford grantees based on their specific organizational needs, regardless of grant size, type, or term.
- Support for the Broader Ecosystem: Crucially, this investment extends support beyond Ford’s portfolio by backing independent capacity-building networks and technical assistance providers that deliver essential services such as legal support, digital security, and financial health directly to organizations across the wider civil society ecosystem.
- Appointing a Director of Grantmaking Excellence: To lead foundation-wide implementation, Ford is promoting Luc Athayde-Rizzaro to director of grantmaking excellence starting in January 2027. Currently serving as grantmaking excellence officer, Athayde-Rizzaro has been a key architect of Ford’s learning and grantmaking practice.
“Over the last decade, we learned a simple truth: Organizations do their best work when funders get out of the way, provide flexible funding over multiple years, and help them build institutional strength,” said Noorain Khan, chief innovation officer at the Ford Foundation. “True innovation is about taking what we know works and making it our global baseline. Luc is an exceptional leader whose vision and deep expertise have already helped transform our internal approaches, and I am thrilled to see him take the helm as we embed these standards foundation-wide.”
“As we chart our path forward, fortifying democracy’s preconditions requires changing what we fund and how we fund,” said Heather Gerken, president of the Ford Foundation. “Grantmaking excellence starts with listening to our partners and giving them the long-term stability and autonomy to lead. I am deeply grateful to Noorain and Luc for their exceptional leadership as we implement this practice across the entire foundation. We hope the philanthropic sector will join us in making flexible, multiyear support a standard practice.”
About the Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For 90 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $18 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Learn more at www.fordfoundation.org.
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