The Higley Family
The Higley family has been an integral part of the Cleveland community for more than 150 years. In 1925, Albert M. Higley, Sr. founded the highly respected construction company bearing his name, which is still active today. He went on to serve on and chair numerous civic and community boards including the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Shaker Heights School Board.
Albert M. Higley, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, leading the construction firm from 1967 to 1998 and committing to a number of civic and philanthropic causes. In 1994, he and his wife Beverly chose the Cleveland Foundation as their philanthropic partner and started the Higley Fund, a Supporting Organization of the Cleveland Foundation.
Between 2009 and 2019, one of Albert and Beverly’s sons, Bruce Higley, chaired the Higley Fund’s board. Currently, Sharon Higley Watts represents the family on the board. The fund’s primary grantmaking focus is in Cuyahoga County.
In the News
The Higley Family: Building for Cleveland’s Future
Crain’s Cleveland Business 2015
Cleveland Foundation receives $23 million estate gift from longtime philanthropic Higley family
Cleveland Plain Dealer 2015
Beverly and Albert Higley Jr. make $23 million gift to the Cleveland Foundation
Cleveland Foundation 2015
The Higley Fund of the Cleveland Foundation makes historic $1 million commitment toward renovation of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Cleveland Foundation 2015
Higley Family Continues Generations of Giving with $5 Million Gift
Gift of Giving 2013
Funding Priorities
- Food
- Housing
- Education/Training
- Health
- Crisis Intervention
By the Numbers |
|
|---|---|
| Total Giving (1994 – 2023) |
$22.6 million |
| Typical Range of Responsive Grant Size | $10,000-$25,000 |
| Average Grant Size | $10,000 |
Get in Touch
To apply for a grant from the Higley Fund, please visit our Grants Gateway.
For questions about the Higley Fund or information on setting up a new fund, please contact:
Philanthropic Advisor
Brittany Schultz