The Douglas B. Gardner Foundation is a non-profit
organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged kids from the
five boroughs of New York City.
Through financial grants and agreed-upon goals, the Foundation partners with local non-profit organizations with proven service to provide excellent after-school programs for New York City children who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Such programs offer opportunities for personal and leadership development, provide mentoring and academic support, encourage children to be active participants in their own development, and engage them in fun and challenging activities. In addition, the Foundation may fund academic scholarships and other endeavors to ensure that individuals have a meaningful chance to achieve success.
Our Mission
About The Foundation
Founded in 2004 by Jennifer Gardner, The Douglas B. Gardner Foundation was created in loving memory of her husband, who perished on September 11, 2001 in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. A successful businessman and father of two beautiful children, Doug never took his good fortune for granted. Doug dedicated his efforts to find ways to provide disadvantaged kids and teenagers meaningful avenues for advancement and growth. He served on the boards of several children's charities that provided after-school activities in safe and supervised environments. An avid basketball player, Doug supported organizations that centered their programs on athletics, leadership, ethics and racial harmony. Doug talked about starting a foundation that would act as an "angel" to a select group of motivated organizations that made a real difference in the lives of those they touched. The Douglas B. Gardner Foundation will ensure that Doug will always be that angel, that in his name city kids will receive real support and opportunities as they pursue their dreams.
Our Team
Michael Gardner
Michael Gardner, son of Douglas Gardner, is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Economics and currently an Associate at Via Redwood, a Private Equity Firm in New York City. Also a former collegiate basketball player, Michael shares Doug's passion for basketball and strives to further Doug's charitable mission.
Jennifer Gardner
Jennifer Gardner is the founder of the Douglas B. Gardner Foundation, and she is a director of 2x4 Foundation, which partners with grassroots nonprofits that provide essential services to women. She is also the author of Where You Left Me, a memoir. Jennifer graduated from Tufts University and received a J.D. from Harvard.
Julia Gardner
Julia Gardner, daughter of Douglas Gardner, is a 2021 graduate of Brown University with a B.A. in Biology. She earned an M.S. in Conservation Medicine and is currently working towards her D.V.M. at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Like her father, she is an avid Knicks fan and lover of all things sports.
Community Partners
New Heights Youth is a non-profit sports-based youth development and education organization based in NYC dedicated to educationg and empowering promising underserved youth by developing the skills necessary for success in high school, college and life.
Laguardia Community College's President Society is an immersive program that provides students with the practical skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed in today's workforce. Since its inception in 2012, the President's Society has supported over 400 students.
The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York's only K-12+ independent inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world.
Annual Memorial Basketball Tournament
Since 2002, Billy Frischling and friends have hosted the 4x4 Memorial Basketball Tournament in loving memory of Doug Gardner, Calvin Gooding, and Doug Gurian, who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. All three men were avid athletes and competitors - Doug Gardner and Calvin Gooding were college basketball teammates at Haverford College, and Doug Gurian excelled on the baseball diamond at West Point.
To honor and celebrate them, we gather their friends, family, and extended communities for an afternoon of spirited competition, deep comradery, and fond memories.
