The Gheens Foundation, Inc. was established in 1957 by C. Edwin Gheens and Mary Jo Gheens, his wife, to continue their lifelong interests in education, religious programs, and human services.  Mr. Gheens, a Louisville native whose father and uncle were successful in the wholesale grocery business, was the owner of a large, successful candy manufacturing company in Louisville.  The family also owned a large sugarcane plantation in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

Both Mr. & Mrs. Gheens were leaders in their church and active in other philanthropic, educational, and cultural endeavors in Louisville.  After Mr. Gheens’ death in 1961, Mrs. Gheens selected several friends to serve as Foundation Trustees; the Trustees continue to oversee the work of the Foundation even after her death in 1982.

The Gheens Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Kentucky, and the Trustees oversee the distribution of approximately $4 million each year.  Most of the grants are made in the Louisville area and are used to support a wide variety of endeavors at all levels, including education, economic development, medical, arts, social/health services, handicapped, mental health programs, etc.

In 1982, the Foundation, in partnership with the Jefferson County Public School System, established the Gheens Academy, a resource center providing professional training for teachers.  The Academy has attracted national attention and is still providing professional training.

Another program the Foundation has also been involved in is the STARS club in partnership with the Jefferson County Public Schools.  The STARS Club, established in 1991, is an effort to reach “at-risk” boys and girls in middle schools to improve their attendance, attitude, and academic achievement.  Robbie Valentine is the Director.