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Who did Henry Ford leave his money to?

Henry Ford, the renowned founder of the Ford Motor Company, was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. When he passed away in 1947, the question of who would inherit his vast fortune became a topic of great interest. Contrary to popular belief, Ford did not leave his entire estate to his family, but rather made some unexpected choices in his will.


Ford's Philanthropic Legacy


Henry Ford was known for his innovative approach to manufacturing and his commitment to making automobiles accessible to the masses. However, he was also a philanthropist who used his wealth to support various causes. Ford established the Ford Foundation in 1936, which became one of the largest private foundations in the world. The foundation's mission was to support education, scientific research, and social welfare initiatives.


Surprising Beneficiaries of Ford's Estate


When Henry Ford passed away in 1947 at the age of 83, his estate was valued at an estimated $368.6 million, which would be equivalent to over $4.5 billion in today's dollars. Contrary to expectations, Ford did not leave the bulk of his wealth to his family members. Instead, he bequeathed the majority of his estate to the Ford Foundation, which he had established over a decade earlier.



  • Ford left 90% of his estate to the Ford Foundation.

  • The remaining 10% of his estate was divided among his wife, Clara, and his only child, Edsel Ford, who had passed away in 1943.li>
  • Ford's decision to allocate the majority of his wealth to the Ford Foundation was a testament to his commitment to philanthropy and his desire to use his resources to benefit society as a whole.


By directing the bulk of his estate to the Ford Foundation, Henry Ford ensured that his philanthropic legacy would continue to have a lasting impact long after his passing. The foundation has since gone on to support a wide range of initiatives, from education and healthcare to arts and culture, making it one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the world.

Who owned Ford after Henry?


Edsel Ford
Jan 1, 1919
Edsel Ford succeeds his father, Henry Ford, as President. The Fords become sole owners of the company by purchasing stock of the other shareholders.



Who owns Ford now?


Ford is owned by a diverse group of shareholders but largely controlled by the Ford family. This is made possible through Ford's dual-class stock structure that concentrates voting rights in Class B shares. The Class B shares account for 2% of the company but collectively hold 40% of the voting power.



How rich would Henry Ford be today?


around $200 billion
Henry Ford: second-generation immigrant, entrepreneur, and founding father of one of America's most famous companies. By making cars affordable for the masses, he built up a fortune that would be worth around $200 billion (£162bn) today – but what happened to all that money after he died in 1947?



What happened to Henry Ford's wealth?


Upon his death in 1947, he left most of his wealth to the Ford Foundation, and control of the company to his family.



Does any of the Ford families still own Ford?


The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is controlled by the Ford family. They have minority ownership but a plurality of the voting power.



Who is the current CEO of Ford Motor Company?


Jim Farley (Oct 1, 2020–)Ford Motor Company / CEO
Jim Farley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, President of Ford Model e, and a member of Ford's board of directors.



Who is the parent company of Ford Money?


Ford Money is a trading name of FCE Bank plc, the finance subsidiary of Ford Motor Company. We are an online savings provider, offering a range of fair and consistent savings products in the UK, each designed to help make your money go further.



What did Henry Ford do with his money before he died?


Ford and his family spent a good deal of time and money on charitable work. They set up an historical museum in Greenfield Village, Michigan, and most notably set up the Ford Foundation, which provides grants for research, education, and development. "A bore is a fellow who opens his mouth and puts his feats in it."



Why did Henry Ford leave the Henry Ford company?


In March 1902, Ford left the company following a dispute with his financial backers, William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen, as Ford was devoting considerable time to the sport of auto racing and his Ford 999 race car.



Is the Ford Bloodline still alive?


Although all four of Ford's grandchildren have since died, William Clay Ford Sr.'s wife, Martha Firestone Ford, is still alive. Their marriage also united two business empires, as Martha's father was Harvey Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.