The Cleveland Foundation works to attract and retain a talented community—in the workforce, in the civic sector, and at home. We envision Greater Cleveland as a place of opportunity, led by innovative minds from home and around the globe, starting from early childhood to retirement.

Early Childhood & Youth Development

From birth through high school graduation, the foundation supports programs and networks that help young people get a healthy start, including:

  • PRE4CLE, a partnership to create more high-quality pre-school seats and help people better understand and access the high-quality schools available. 
  • True2U, a group mentoring program that connects every Cleveland Metropolitan School District 8th grader with a dedicated adult mentor to help set goals for success on the path to college and career readiness.
  • Saint Martin de Porres Corporate Work Study Program– Since 2005, 50 Saint Martin students have joined the Cleveland Foundation in paid roles to explore careers and supplement tuition.

Early Career Development

The foundation supports programs and networks that help young people and those early in their profession gain the experiences they need to launch their careers and make an impact in the community.

Mid to Late Career Leadership Development

The foundation also supports opportunities for experienced professionals to channel their knowledge and skills to work for the greater good.

  • Encore Cleveland– Launched in 2013, Encore Cleveland helps to provide a wide array of meaningful opportunities for Greater Clevelanders who are nearing or in retirement from their primary careers and wish to discover their second act.
  • American Marshall Memorial Fellows– Since 2001, the foundation has partnered with the German Marshall Fund on the Memorial Marshall Fellowship, which offers local leaders an opportunity to explore European politics, business, innovation and culture.
  • National Urban Fellows – Since 1980, the Cleveland Foundation has partnered with National Urban Fellows, which develops accomplished and courageous professionals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, to be leaders and change agents in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program maintains a large alumni group in Cleveland.

Want to learn more about leadership development initiatives in Greater Cleveland? Check out our Leadership Development e-newsletter archive: