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.

Two students using a tablet in the classroom

Health and education

The foundation has funded iPad and Chromebook education pilot programs to bring technology into some of California’s poorest schools, a new pediatric wing at Santa Rosa Health Centers, Accelerated English Language instruction programs, and numerous programs for abused and special-needs children. 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 invests in education programs, such as bringing technology, mental health services and career technical pathways into some of California’s most under-resourced schools. Recent projects include providing funding for two new pediatric dental wings at Santa Rosa Health Centers and making a $1 million commitment to the Social Advocates for Youth, which helps homeless and foster youth build sustainable lives through housing, counseling and career services. Our investment helped SAY build its Dream Center to increase housing capacity by 60 percent, and create a dedicated John Jordan Foundation Career Hub at the facility.

Person speaking with microphone. Other people in background

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.

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.