Cleveland Foundation announces 2023 Foundations for Philanthropy class

Release Date: 12.19.2022

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Foundation today announced the 24-member class of its Foundations for Philanthropy (FFP) program. Now in its fourth cohort, FFP is an interactive experience designed to launch individuals into lifelong philanthropy by teaching skills and strategies to leverage participants’ time, talent, treasure and ties into meaningful impact for our region.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented and passionate group of individuals coming together to participate in the next cohort of this program,” said Kristen Grabenstein, Cleveland Foundation philanthropy officer. “By working together to address a complex social issue, they will gain skills and experiences to help them become engaged philanthropists and civic leaders driving change in our community for years to come.”

FFP participants will partake in a program that explores philanthropic approaches to problem solving. The six-month program begins in January 2023, and these community-minded peers will engage in interactive workshops led by experienced Cleveland Foundation staff. Together, the cohort will explore community issues, choose an area of focus and – at the conclusion of the program – provide grant support to impactful nonprofit organizations. Among the topics slated to be covered are:

  • How philanthropy addresses key community issues in Northeast Ohio;
  • Ways to identify and address root causes;
  • How to source and evaluate effective programs; and
  • Exploring participants’ own mission, vision and values related to philanthropy.

Past cohorts have focused on issues ranging from mental health to literacy and leadership for youth and have supported such organizations as Motogo, Recess Cleveland, YWCA, Humility of Mary Housing, Colors+ and the Refugee Response. This group was selected from applicants in the community who are interested in learning more about philanthropy, grantmaking and local nonprofits. The members of the 2023 class are:

  • Ann Barnett – Sanky Communications
  • Romona Brazile – MetroHealth System
  • Ryan Clopton-Zymler – Sage & Maven, LLC
  • Nichole Collins – FundTaskIt LLC
  • Liz Conway – Tri-C Foundation
  • Jared Daly – Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
  • Heather Englander – Business Volunteers Unlimited
  • Rachel Horvath – KeyBank
  • Dean Jackson – Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
  • Stephanie Kesselem – Cleveland Zoological Society
  • Aubrey Rose Knight – Black It Up
  • Alyson Kruse – Cleveland Clinic
  • Brian Kruse – Legacy Roofing Services LLC
  • Bryan Lacey – Cision
  • Natalie Lonjak – CrossCountry Mortgage
  • William Marion – Consultant
  • Amy Moniot – Cleveland Council on World Affairs
  • Demari Muff – Cavitch Familo & Durkin
  • Tara Nichols – University Hospitals
  • Francine Price – PNC Private Bank
  • Meltrice Sharp – CLE Consulting Firm
  • Veronica Thornton – Consultant
  • Molly Vaughan – Motogo
  • Ashley Wasielewski – Bank of America

For more information, visit ClevelandFoundation.org/FFP.

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