Ways to Give
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Explore the many ways to make an impact with the Cleveland Foundation. We make philanthropy personal and accessible. Whether through a donor advised fund, affinity fund or another giving option, your philanthropy can make a lasting impact.
Unrestricted, General Operating Support
Consider a gift that can be directed to areas of greatest need identified from the deep community knowledge gleaned from over 100 years of impactful operation.
Donor Advised Funds
Donor advised funds can be created by individuals, families, nonprofits and corporations who would like to actively engage in grantmaking to causes most important to them. Relationships with Cleveland Foundation staff members allow donors to learn about community needs and determine how they would like to make an impact.
Affinity Funds
Affinity funds are groups of donors and community members united by a shared heritage, identity or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support nonprofits that serve a specific group of people. Affinity funds leverage contributions through collective giving and committee-led grantmaking. This model allows for gifts of all sizes to amplify impact by pooling them in one investment fund.
Converting a Private Foundation to a Donor Advised Fund
If you and your family maintain a private foundation but are concerned about time commitments and rising costs of operations, converting your private foundation to a donor advised fund might be a welcome solution. Our team can partner with you and your professional advisors to seamlessly execute this process.
Private Foundation Investment Fund
The Cleveland Foundation now offers a unique opportunity for those who maintain a private foundation to partner with us for investment services. Take advantage of the foundation's mission-aligned investment options, all of which include a long-term focus and emphasis on asset allocation. Contact a member of our team to discuss how this option might best serve your private foundation.
Legacy Funds
For an ever-lasting legacy, you can create a fund that names a specific area of interest, such as education or the arts, or a specific charity, as the recipient of the grants from the fund. Let our team help you design something uniquely meaningful to sustain your charitable objectives in perpetuity.
Creating a Supporting Organization
Looking for a singular opportunity that has less expense and administrative burden than a private foundation, but allows you more control over grantmaking and investments than a traditional donor advised fund? Connect with a member of the philanthropy team to discuss whether a supporting organization aligns with your charitable goals.
Planned Giving
The Cleveland Foundation offers a variety of ways to make a lasting impact in your community through planned giving. Explore your charitable vision with us in order to create a plan that captures your goals for your charitable legacy.