The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation aims to enrich the lives of fellow citizens, build a better society, and believes in the potential for positive change. They emphasize making a significant impact, promoting personal involvement and active leadership, stressing accountability, and enriching communities. They support partners who use resources wisely, invest in good business practices, monitor success, focus on their vision, support family unity, and share the Foundation's values and beliefs.
The grant program of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on several key areas: enhancing education and health care; supporting faith-based organizations; providing opportunities for the poor and underserved; developing the arts; and promoting environmental responsibility. The Foundation seeks to fund people and agencies that demonstrate effective use of resources, a commitment to developing good business practices, success monitoring, a clear vision, and alignment with the Foundation's emphasis on family unity and shared values.