Community Responsive Grantmaking Team

Kathy Hallissey oversees the foundation’s responsive grantmaking efforts, working with a team of program officers to align those efforts with the needs of the community and the foundation’s priorities.

In her previous position as a program officer for the foundation, she reviewed grant proposals and worked to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Greater Cleveland. Prior to joining the foundation in August 2005, Kathy was a Head Start management consultant. At the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, she analyzed the impact various programs and policies had on children, youth, and families.

She began her career in the federal government as a presidential management intern. Kathy has a master of public administration degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from Drew University in New Jersey, from which she graduated cum laude.

Administrative assistant: Ciba Jones (216-615-7184)
Send an e-mail to Kathy Hallissey 

Nelson Beckford reviews proposals across a broad range of program areas as part of the foundation’s community-responsive grantmaking and coordinates the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship program.

He has a wide range of management experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit arenas, including serving as assistant director for the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization prior to joining the foundation.

Before that, he was a network development managed care contracting specialist for both Great West Healthcare and University Hospital Health System. In those positions he was responsible for physician recruitment and contract negotiation and monitoring. Nelson’s career also includes time spent with Cole Managed Vision, the American Red Cross and the Madison Development Company. He also served in the U.S. Army for three years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University, and he holds certificates in organizational development from Baldwin Wallace College and in operational excellence from Case Western Reserve University.  Nelson is currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology with a concentration in organizational development from Cleveland State University.

Administrative assistant: Ciba Jones (216-615-7184)
Send an e-mail to Nelson Beckford 

Kara Keating Copeland comes to the Foundation after 11 years spent working for various community-focused organizations throughout Cleveland. Most recently, she served as director of resource development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.  In this role, Copeland worked closely with the organization’s leadership team and board to develop and implement a plan to raise $2.5 million in annual funds. She also oversaw foundation relations, grant writing, major gifts, and planned giving, as well as public relations and community outreach efforts.

Prior to her work at Boys & Girls Clubs, Copeland was lead community organizer for Slavic Village Development Corp., where she co-managed an intergenerational community organizing program and helped increase neighborhood group involvement by 20 percent in two years.

Copeland received her master’s degree in applied social science administration from Case Western Reserve University. She also earned bachelor’s degrees in communications and psychology from John Carroll University.

Administrative assistant: Sarah King (216-615-7155)
Send an e-mail to Kara Keating Copeland.  

Kevin McDaniel manages portions of the foundation's responsive and proactive grantmaking. He plays an active role in assisting local faith-based organizations through the Cleveland Foundation’s  Project Access program , and coordinates the  Time Warner/Cleveland City Council Neighborhood Technology Fund  (also managed by the foundation). 

Additionally, Kevin is an active participant in Cuyahoga County’s community re-entry efforts.

Most recently, he was director of admissions and records for Cuyahoga Community College. He also served as program director of Veterans Upward Bound, where he assisted veterans of the U.S. armed forces with their transition to college life. Prior to that, he served as an advisor to the financial aid department at Cuyahoga Community College.

Kevin has a master of education degree in adult learning and development and a bachelor's degree in history and social studies from Cleveland State University.

Administrative assistant: Sarah King (216-615-7155)
Send an e-mail to Kevin McDaniel .