The Purpose of The Carpenter Foundation is to add opportunity, choice, inclusiveness, enrichment and a climate for change for those living in the Rogue Valley. The Foundation works in partnership with other agencies, organizations and public entities.

The Carpenter Foundation was established by Alfred S.V. Carpenter and Helen Bundy Carpenter in 1942. It was then called the Jackson County Recreation Agency and provided recreational activities for servicemen at Camp White. The Foundation was reorganized in 1958, evolving from a personal vehicle for charitable giving to a general purpose family foundation. In 1972, five public trustees were added to the family members on the Board to achieve a broader base of experience for decision making.

The Foundation makes grants only within Jackson and Josephine Counties with the exception of a few statewide public interest issues directly affecting persons living in these counties. The Foundation rarely makes multi-year grants, grants for historical applications, hospital construction or equipment, group or individual trips, or activities for religious purposes.