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The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today.
The Cleveland Foundation is the community's trust—a collective savings account dedicated to making the lives of Greater Clevelanders better.
The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today. The foundation was established in 1914 by Frederick Harris Goff, a well-known lawyer and banker at the Cleveland Trust Company. Goff sought a solution for people who wanted to give back to their community in a lasting and impactful way. Unlike a one-time donation to a specific cause or organization, a gift to the Cleveland Foundation is invested to grow over time and meet the changing needs in the community across generations.
Community Impact
We believe that to make true change, we must invest in long-term efforts at the region, neighborhood and individual levels to drive success for all. At the same time, we are committed to strengthening local nonprofits and meeting new and immediate needs in our community as they arise.
Learn More about our Priorities
Through our grantmaking, investments and leadership, the foundation responds to immediate needs in the community while also supporting long-term, collaborative efforts to grow our region, create vibrant neighborhoods and connect people to prosperity.
Vision
A vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind.
Mission
To make the lives of Clevelanders better, now and for generations to come.
Values
- Equity
- Courage
- Partnership
- Stewardship
- Innovation
Communities We Serve
The Cleveland Foundation and its partners are committed to the continued success of organizations and residents in Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties. Each of these distinct counties are served through a variety of diverse funds and programs. We believe that focusing on supporting initiatives curated specifically to these counties helps bring excellence and equity to neighborhoods in thoughtful ways that address their unique needs.
Commitment to Diversity & Equity
Read our Diversity Statement
The Cleveland Foundation exists to make the lives of Greater Clevelanders better, now and for generations to come. Our ability to achieve this mission and to foster a commitment to excellence can best be pursued if our workforce, grantees, donors, partners, vendors and governing body include individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives.
The foundation believes that diversity encompasses, but is not limited to, age, gender, race, national origin, religious beliefs, physical abilities and characteristics, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, and lifestyle. Thus the foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that respects and appreciates diversity in its many forms and provides all staff members with an opportunity to maximize the use of their work-related skills and talents. The foundation seeks to work with external organizations that reflect, as a group, the diversity of the Greater Cleveland community. We look for grantees and business partners that include individuals of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. We encourage all organizations with which we work to recognize and embrace the benefits of diversity.
Finally, in order to achieve the highest standards in all our activities, it is important that the foundation benefit from the perspectives of many different segments of the community. Toward this end, we seek to collaborate with donors of varying means and interests. In addition, we encourage those individuals and organizations who appoint members to our board of directors to seek community leaders who will bring varying points of view to board deliberations.