JSF is committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to education and employment. By supporting initiatives such as scholarships, mentoring, tutoring, and internships, JSF aims to enable people, particularly those with disabilities, financial needs, or from Indigenous communities, to graduate, find good jobs, and enrich their communities.
JSF's grantmaking strategy focuses on empowering people through education, leading to better job prospects and greater independence. The grant program supports organizations that facilitate access to education and employment for individuals facing barriers, directly benefiting groups including individuals with disabilities, those experiencing financial hardship, and Indigenous peoples. Grant efforts are segmented into various programs, primarily aiming at scholarships which are often augmented by matching funds and, where applicable, government grants. These scholarship programs target both pre-university (middle and high school) and university levels, encouraging early preparation and mentorship to ensure educational success. Special emphasis is placed on aiding economically disadvantaged students across several educational institutions and initiatives, such as the Berklee College of Music, various universities in Florida, and the DirectConnect partnership with the University of Central Florida. Additionally, specific programs like the Johnson Take Stock and Providence St. Mel School focus on mentoring and scholarships for middle to high school students, striving to support their journey through high school to postsecondary education.