Since its establishment in 1983, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation has committed more than $23 million to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in the United States and Russia. The Foundation seeks to perpetuate Senator Jackson's legacy by making grants and engaging in strategic initiatives in four program areas, reflecting the issues in which the senator played a critical role during his tenure in Congress:

• International Affairs Education
• Environment and Natural Resources Management
• Public Service
• Human Rights

The Foundation continues to actively make grants in international affairs and human rights and, to a limited extent, in the areas of environment and natural resources management and public service. In all four areas, the Foundation utilizes the expertise of its board of governors and staff to develop strategic initiatives that involve convening leaders to discuss timely public policy issues and partnering with other organizations to leverage the Foundation's resources.