UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute
In October 2025, the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation made a $20 million commitment to the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute (UCGNI), furthering a longstanding partnership focused on advancing neurological care and research. This investment supports expanded work in memory disorders, enhances specialized patient care, and advances UCGNI’s learning health system model, accelerating discovery and improving outcomes by integrating research with real-world clinical care. The gift also strengthens efforts to achieve designation as an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, positioning Cincinnati as a leader in the fight against neurodegenerative disease, reflecting the Gardner family’s enduring vision to ensure that patients facing neurological disease receive the best care, from the best people, in the best place.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
In October 2023, the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation made a $15 million commitment to help launch the new Mental and Behavioral Health Institute (MBHI) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The institute will fully integrate multiple divisions focused on mental health and streamline organizational structure to provide better support to children and their families as they navigate the mental health system, and to ultimately provide improved care. MBHI’s top priorities include reducing emergency and inpatient hospital visits related to mental health; expanding access to resources for patients and families as well as healthcare professionals; and leading research to improve outcomes for children with mental and behavioral health disorders.
Great Parks Forever
In August 2022, the James. J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation made a major gift to Great Parks Forever – the philanthropic partner of Great Parks– to help fund projects that will focus on conservation, add new trails, improve facilities and buildings, and enhance the visitor experience throughout the park systems in Hamilton County.
Accelerate Great Schools
Accelerate Great Schools (AGS) believes that every child, in every neighborhood in Cincinnati, deserves a great K-12 education. AGS delivers on its mission by identifying parent and community needs, and supporting the growth of non-profit, high-quality schools to serve at risk youth. AGS’s second fund is poised to create 10,000 new high-quality seats by 2030. The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation is proud to partner with Accelerate Great School’ Second Fund: “Great Schools for All Kids”.