President’s Letter
What have we been talking about in our 19th year? We at The Rees-Jones Foundation are acknowledging the firm foundation on which we stand. Yes, from our formation in 2006 into 2026, that firm foundation is built on what we have learned and experiences that have formed us as we make our journey together. It has been built through the richness of relationships with amazing people who lead important work serving others, and we always acknowledge the true firm foundation on which we stand is Christ our Lord. As we steward His resources, we acknowledge the great love He has for his people and His creation and strive to share that great love.
And additionally, we are asking— how can we enter our 20th year without talking about the impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the work others are doing. How will we choose to participate? I mention this because for us as Christians, we must think long and hard about how this can both impact the work we do for good, but also take a lot of caution and intentionality in the process of uptake. After 19 years of serving and giving, we believe more than ever that we are created to use our unique God-given ingenuity in addressing concerns and solutions. We strive to do so, in very personal and humane ways.
Right now, we are thinking about creative generosity. We serve a very creative and generous God. Following the example of God’s imaginative and abundant giving, we hold resources lightly and we aspire to focus our resources in creative and generous ways with the goal of not just what some might call success, and not for our own gratification, but for the good of creation as a whole, for the good of our neighbors close by and in far places, and yes for the good of the one child who is facing difficult challenges. And it is that holy love that compels our generosity and fuels our creativity and the creativity of others.
We find great joy in supporting creative people doing creative things. There is nothing more joyful than to serve community leaders and healing programs that utilize imagination and talent to meet pressing needs; ones that glorify God and help transform chaos into life-giving blessings. We have had the good fortune over the past 19 years to be in rich relationships with many who are working towards that same good outcome.
We have witnessed the training of caretakers in physical rehabilitation therapy for children with cerebral palsy in places where healthcare is unavailable. We have applauded as organizations designed workarounds when federal funding was diminished or cut. We have observed grantees’ innovating interventions that have addressed the critical needs of veterans who have experienced the trauma of deployment. We have also watched as organizations fortified youth formation programs that prioritize mentoring and high-quality out-of-school time programs where faith and character development are prioritized.
Today, we are looking forward with gratitude and expectation for what God leads us to in our upcoming 20th year. We are full of joy and celebrating His love, His generosity and great creativity in all He has and will design.
Terese Stevenson, President