Grantmaking
In 2007, the Cleveland Foundation awarded more than $85 million in grants, primarily to nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties. Those grants fell into three categories:
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Proactive. A growing percentage of our grantmaking dollars is awarded proactively in areas judged most vital to Greater Cleveland’s future. Grants in these areas are generally made to our long-term partners with the goal of creating significant, widespread impact.
Learn more about the vital issues to which we proactively direct grant dollars.
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Donor-Directed. Approximately half of our grant dollars are awarded at the recommendation of donors through donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, and scholarships. The foundation assists donors in making informed decisions about projects and organizations that best match their philanthropic goals.
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Responsive. The rest of the Cleveland Foundation’s grants are made in response to direct requests from the community, as described below.
In general, responsive grants are made in (but not restricted to) the areas of:
- Arts and culture
- Community development
- Economic development
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human services
We give priority to programs that:
- Create and improve quality services and programs for vulnerable and underserved populations.
- Increase the quality, effectiveness and viability of nonprofit organizations.
- Develop or test/evaluate new, creative community solutions.
- Promote problem-solving that supports partnerships and collaboration.
Begin the process of applying for a grant from the Cleveland Foundation.
Grantees: Access forms and resources in our Grantee Tool Kit.
The Cleveland Foundation is now awarding capital grants only to organizations that adopt “green building” principles.