Jack Kemp's vision of the future was rooted firmly in the "self-evident" truths set forth in America's founding documents: from the signers of the Declaration of Independence who proclaimed that "all men are created equal [and] endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," to the ratifiers of the U.S. Constitution who aimed "to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity." Abraham Lincoln said our Founders wrote these words to serve as "a beacon to guide their children and their children. and the countless myriads who should inhabit the earth in other ages." Jack Kemp was a man who held that beacon of freedom high. The Foundation that carries his name seeks to do the same.
Throughout his career, Jack Kemp transferred lessons and values from the playing field to the political arena. He stood for inclusiveness, engagement and encouragement. He drew support and earned the respect of Americans from all walks of life because he lived his philosophy of principled pragmatism, friendly strife, empowering others and, especially, reaching out to those who had not yet attained the American Dream.
While these convictions will serve to inspire the Foundation, the true test of the Foundation's achievements will be the extent that current and emerging leaders understand his legacy, embrace this passion for the civil competition of ideas, and translate the cause of growth, democracy, freedom and hope into policy and action in the twenty-first century.
The Mission
To develop, engage and recognize exceptional leaders
The Jack Kemp Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public foundation committed to the belief that the cause of growth, democracy, freedom and hope is at the very core of our national identity and prosperity. Each of our programs is intended to foster the spirit of leadership that Jack Kemp demonstrated, expand the impact of powerful ideas on public policy, and prepare a new generation of leaders who can translate principled ideas into action.