The Graves Foundation aims to create systemic change by partnering with natural leaders, organizers, researchers, policy makers, and both institutional and grassroots community leaders. It focuses on long-term, trusting relationships to support priority areas like education, community-building, housing, and youth development, primarily around Minneapolis. They emphasize being present and engaged with their partners and grantees, choosing direct interaction over traditional reporting to better understand alignment with missions, values, and goals.