Types of Funds

The Cleveland Foundation offers a variety of fund options to help you meet your philanthropic goals and respond to community needs. From donor-advised funds (which allow you to engage in active grantmaking) to Building Cleveland's Future funds (which rely on the foundation’s knowledge of the community for grantmaking decisions), our funds allow you to select the manner in which you want to invest in Greater Cleveland.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds are charitable funds for donors seeking active involvement in grantmaking. Donors – and their children, if desired – advise or recommend grants from their fund to support nonprofit organizations. Donors can learn about community needs from the foundation's donor-focused educational seminars and information, and work with foundation staff to create a lasting, impactful philanthropic legacy.

Supporting Organizations

Supporting organizations are separate legal entities that are affiliated with the Cleveland Foundation. Established with their own boards of trustees, grantmaking identities, and governance structures, supporting organizations enjoy public charity status and the professional services of the foundation, including staff and administrative support.

Partner with the Foundation on Vital Issues

The foundation has created special funds designed to address vital issues facing Greater Cleveland. Donors are invited to participate with the Cleveland Foundation on major initiatives, such as promoting advanced energy and early childhood and youth development.

Building Cleveland's Future Funds

Donors can support changing community needs by providing unrestricted support. Donors may create separate funds or donate to the foundation's endowment, current and future. The foundation's board of directors will use the funds to address pressing community needs.

Field-of-Interest Funds

Donors who select these funds are able to benefit specific programs in the arts, education, or another broad area. By naming a program area and not a specific organization, flexibility exists to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Lake-Geauga Fund

The Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Lake and Geauga counties. Established in 1987, the fund’s grantmaking is directed by an advisory committee of community leaders living in one of those counties.

Scholarship Funds

Scholarship funds support those who want to pursue education, whether they're high school graduates pursuing a college degree or nontraditional students who are returning to the work force. Donors work with foundation staff to devise selection criteria. Donors may, if desired, also participate on scholarship selection committees with foundation staff and foundation-appointed community volunteers to identify recipients.

Designated Funds

Oftentimes, donors wish to support a specific nonprofit organization. Once established, grants are made annually to the organization(s). Foundation staff monitor the organization to honor your philanthropic intentions. With a designated fund at the Cleveland Foundation, you receive professional management and grant monitoring.

Organizational Endowment Funds

Organizations can establish endowment funds at the foundation. Created to provide financial support to the nonprofit organization in perpetuity and as a conduit for planned gifts, the endowment can be an "arrow" in a nonprofit organization's development quiver.