Classroom filled with students and teachers
Tablet engraved with John Jordan Foundation logo

Supporting our youth

Founded in 2012, the John Jordan Foundation (JJF) was created to provide disadvantaged youth and young adults with the tools needed to succeed educationally and professionally, from cradle to career. JJF has helped thousands of families through education, after-school enrichment and health programs. To date, the Foundation has supported more than 220 partner organizations, more than 1,000 teachers have received grants for their classrooms and more than 400 California schools have been served.

little boy smiling while she holds photo of herself before cleft surgery

Health and education

The Foundation has funded education pilot programs providing iPads and Chromebooks to underserved California schools, supported the creation of a new pediatric wing at Santa Rosa Health Centers, and invested in Accelerated English Language instruction and programs for children with disabilities and those who have experienced abuse. Through its Teachers’ Wishes program, which touches 7,500 students each year, the Foundation supports classroom projects for local school teachers affected by ongoing state and local budget cuts.

The Foundation is honored to work with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity, providing life-changing care for children with cleft lips and palates. For more than two decades, Smile Train has funded 1.5 million free surgeries in 90+ countries, improving speech, breathing and quality of life. Since 2023, Jordan has hosted an annual summer dinner and silent auction to support this vital work.

two veterinarians examining puppy with stethoscope

Helping animals in need

The John Jordan Foundation proudly partners with Soi Dog Foundation to aid millions of stray dogs and cats in Asia. Soi Dog provides sustainable solutions for population control, medical care, and welfare, improving lives for animals and communities. In 19 years, they’ve neutered and vaccinated over 800,000 strays in Thailand.

The Foundation also supports Compassion Without Borders and Canine Companions, organizations dedicated to rescuing and providing care for dogs in need, from international rescue efforts to training service dogs for people with disabilities.

Community spirit

When our community has faced unexpected crises, the foundation has pivoted resources to other areas of need. JJF and Jordan Winery partnered with Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation to establish a new housing recovery fund for farm workers displaced by the 2017 Wine Country wildfires. In March 2020, JJF donated $150,000 to establish the Sonoma Family Meal Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund, which paid shuttered restaurants to open their kitchens and feed those struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic. In 2022, the Foundation helped raise more than $250,000 to support the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee and Clayton Early Learning’s Health & Wellness programs in Denver, CO.

John Jordan, with a group of firefighters, receiving the Firefighter of the Year Award

Recognition for our work

The foundation has received several awards for contributions to the community. In 2014, John Jordan was named Philanthropist of the Year by the United Way of wine country and also received a North Bay Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Award. Non-profit 10,000 Degrees of Sonoma County, which focuses on college access and educational equity, gave John Jordan its Founders Award in 2015 for his leadership, generosity and vision. The Northern Sonoma County Firefighters awarded him with the inaugural 2018 Firefighter of the Year Award for his support of vital firefighting programs.