The Stern Grove Festival Association is an independent, non-profit arts presenting organization that was founded in 1938 by San Francisco civic activist and arts patron Rosalie M. Stern in order to:

• Present the highest quality performances, free of admission charge, for all Bay Area residents and visitors
• Provide paid performance opportunities for professional artists and performing groups in the summer months
• Serve diverse audiences by presenting a season of varied musical and performance genres and artists
• Enhance San Francisco's renown as a world center of arts and culture

Mrs. Stern's mission still guides the Stern Grove Festival to this day.