The Kresge Foundation operates as a national philanthropic organization, dedicated to expanding equity and opportunities within American cities. It strategically deploys resources through grantmaking and social investing, focusing on critical areas such as arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and broader community development. Its approach involves directly funding initiatives and organizations that address systemic challenges, fostering pathways toward justice and social mobility.

The foundation was established in 1924 by Sebastian Spering Kresge, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his S.S. Kresge Company, renowned for its five and dime stores. Kresge created the foundation with the initial aim to "promote human progress," channeling the wealth generated from his retail empire into initiatives designed to benefit humanity. This foundational insight centered on improving the lives of average people, reflecting the accessibility his stores provided.

The foundation's efforts primarily benefit communities and non-profit organizations, particularly those serving people with low incomes in cities across the United States, with specific emphasis on locations like Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans, and Fresno. Its long-term vision is to dismantle barriers and actively build more equitable pathways, enabling individuals to enhance their life circumstances and fully participate in the economic mainstream, thereby influencing the positive trajectory of American urban centers.