Our Mission
TO PROMOTE LITERACY AND THE NARRATIVE ARTS
Our goals…
Literacy Programs
We support initiatives that foster reading skills and expand access to books and educational resources for children and adults alike. By supporting literacy organizations and developing our own programs, we aim to give more people the tools to understand, interpret and shape the stories that define our world.
Literary Arts Programs
From creative writing workshops to screenwriting labs and youth storytelling programs, we champion efforts that empower individuals to express themselves through words. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or graphic storytelling, we believe in nurturing the next generation of narrative voices.
Exhibition & Cultural Preservation
We contribute to the preservation and celebration of the narrative arts through support for museums, exhibitions, and public institutions dedicated to comic books, storytelling, and pop culture. These spaces not only honor the legacy of creators like Stan Lee but also inspire future generations to explore the limitless possibilities of imagination.
Programs in Development
Alongside our charitable partnerships, we are developing programs that the Foundation will run directly. Our initial plans focus on helping children discover the joy of reading and giving young writers opportunities to learn, create and grow.
Comic Book Literacy Program
We are developing a literacy program that pairs comic books with lesson plans and printed activities to help early readers build skills, confidence and a love of stories. Designed with input from educators, the materials will complement classroom reading instruction. We plan to begin with a school pilot and use feedback from participating teachers to refine the program before expanding.
Scholarships for Young Writers
We are in the early stages of planning a scholarship program to support young writers in their education and creative development. Our goal is to help reduce financial barriers and give promising storytellers greater opportunity to develop their craft. Further details will be shared as the program takes shape.
Writers’ Mentorship Program
We are planning a mentorship program that pairs young and emerging writers with experienced professional writers to develop storytelling projects together. Through creative collaboration and practical guidance, participants would strengthen their craft and gain insight into writing for comics, books and the screen.
Our Origin Story
Stan Lee always believed in the power of storytelling to uplift, connect, and inspire. Throughout his remarkable life, he championed causes that supported literacy, creativity, and the arts—and long envisioned a foundation that could carry those values forward. The name Stan Lee Foundation has long been associated with this mission, and Stan worked with various collaborators to shape and promote the concept during his lifetime. His commitment to using that name—and the ideals behind it—reflected his desire to create a lasting vehicle for good.
Following Stan’s passing, a devoted group of his friends, collaborators, and fans came together to form Stan Lee Universe, the official steward of his name, image, and likeness. With a shared passion for honoring Stan’s legacy, Stan Lee Universe formally organized the Stan Lee Foundation to fulfill his longstanding vision. Today, the Foundation proudly supports causes that align with Stan’s values—prioritizing charities he personally gave to during his life—and partners with institutions like the University of Wyoming, home to Stan’s personal archives. Through these efforts, we aim to keep Stan’s spirit alive: bold, generous, and always believing that everyone has a story worth telling.