Templeton Press was founded in January 1997 as a program of Templeton Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit foundation established by Sir John Templeton. Its mission is to publish scholarly and trade books on a variety of subjects, including the connections between science and religion, spirituality and healing in medicine, the verification of universal spiritual laws, character development, and freedom.

The John Templeton Foundation was established in 1987 by renowned international investor Sir John Templeton to encourage a fresh appreciation of the critical importance—for all peoples and cultures—of the moral and spiritual dimensions of life. The Templeton Foundation seeks to act as a critical catalyst for progress, especially by supporting studies that demonstrate the benefits of an open, humble and progressive approach to learning in these areas. It is the Foundation's purpose to stimulate a high standard of excellence in scholarly understanding that can serve to encourage further worldwide explorations of the moral and spiritual dimensions of the Universe and of the human potential within its ultimate purpose.

To this end, the Foundation believes that such efforts can have enduring significance for helping make the world's future more peaceful, more loving, more gracious, and that this perspective can help people to become more thankful for and open to the wonderful opportunities that the gift of life makes possible. Through its programs, the Foundation seeks to encourage the world to catch the vision of the tremendous possibilities for spiritual progress in an open and humble approach to life. Through the Laws of Life Essay Contest, it reaches students and communities worldwide. The Foundation supports free enterprise education and development internationally through the Templeton Freedom Awards, new curriculum offerings and other programs that encourage free-market principles.

The Foundation currently funds more than 300 projects, studies, award programs and publications worldwide.