The Third Millennium Foundation's principal goal is to support programs and initiatives designed to promote tolerance, particularly among the young. Its work is focused on developing young children's understanding of and respect for the differences that exist among themselves, especially those related to culture, ethnicity, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

The Foundation's program builds on research findings demonstrating that gaining self-control and the ability to relate positively to others is developed in early childhood and that family, educators, and child caregivers play significant roles in shaping lifelong attitudes.

The Foundation makes grants in the United States and internationally, and supports mainly human rights programs. Its programmatic emphasis is on education, children's rights and capacity building for grassroots organizations.