C. Charles Jackson Foundation
Supporting Institutions and Organizations That Transform the World Through Leadership
OUR COMMITMENT
Elevating Humanity Through Leadership and Learning
The C. Charles Jackson Foundation supports initiatives that elevate humanity through leadership—rooted in Attentional Leadership Theory (ALI) and grounded in rigorous, research-based practice. We invest in people and institutions that develop human potential across the lifespan and within every sphere of influence, leveraging attention to build capacity, performance, and impact across the dimensions of the ALI Cube—inside-out and outside-in.
Our standard is measurable progression:
Awareness
Learning
Application
Influence
Change
And our aim is to scale effective, evidence-based leadership development globally with equitable access.
AREAS OF IMPACT
Elevating Humanity Through Leadership and Learning
Institutional Leadership Development
Strengthening The Institutions That Develop Leaders Across The Lifespan
We support universities, colleges, schools, and educational organizations building leadership centers, programs, curricula, research, and formative experiences that expand character, life, and leadership development. Our goal is to enhance the capacity of institutions to cultivate contributors and leaders who function optimally and exercise meaningful influence.
Nonprofit & Community Leadership
Empowering Organizations that Translate Leadership into Improved Lives.
We invest in nonprofits and community organizations that grow leadership and followership across personal, interpersonal, team, organizational, and societal levels. Our grants help turn knowledge, values, and intention into action that strengthens communities and expands human potential.
Research & Thought Leadership
Advancing The Science, Methods, and Models of Leadership Development.
We fund applied and academic research that deepens understanding of leadership as attention and influence, examines and validates the Attentional Leadership Theory (ALI) Cube, and generates insights that shape how leadership is learned, practiced, and scaled. Our priority is rigorous inquiry that advances the field and informs real-world application.
Listening & Engagement
Learning From Those We Serve to Refine and Focus Our Impact
Listening is one of our core strategies. We gather insight from educators, program leaders, students, and community members to understand emerging needs, strengthen alignment, and refine how leadership is learned and lived—from early childhood through elderhood. These voices shape our granting strategy and help ensure our work remains relevant, practical, and people-centered.
Innovation & Leadership Technology
Expanding Access to Leadership Development Through Scalable Innovation.
We explore technologies, longitudinal studies, and strategic partnerships that make high-quality leadership learning accessible and measurable. This includes initiatives like the Charlie Life & Leadership Academy, simulation-based assessments, and AI-enabled learning tools designed to extend opportunity across stages of life and systems of influence..
OUR INNOVATION ENGINE
Charlie Life & Leadership Academy
Charlie Academy identifies neglected problems in leadership education, creates practical and reusable solutions, and scales tools, methods, and emerging resources for a global learning community.
Through Charlie Academy, we translate research into accessible programs, digital learning experiences, and leadership technologies that expand equitable access to high-quality leadership development.
HOW WE WORK
Explore How We Create Impact
Grant Making
Our grantmaking supports research, programs, and partnerships that strengthen leadership in practice. We fund work that is thoughtful, evidence-informed, and designed to create real-world impact over time
Strategic Alliances
Our strategic alliances bring together organizations, researchers, and practitioners to amplify learning and impact. By collaborating with aligned partners, we strengthen the quality, relevance, and impact of the work we support.
Conference
Our leadership conferences create a shared learning space where grant partners, researchers, and leaders exchange insights and reflect on impact. Together, we explore what’s working, what’s emerging, and what’s next.