CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the first round of grantmaking from the Black Philanthropy Fund—an endowed affinity fund dedicated to advancing healthy communities and long-term prosperity for Greater Cleveland’s Black community.
Applications are being accepted through May 11, 2026.
Local leaders comprise the fund’s advisory committee, which designed the Black Philanthropy Fund to support healthy communities for generations. Grants made through the Black Philanthropy Fund will prioritize work rooted in long‑term prosperity for Greater Cleveland’s Black community though three focus areas: opportunity access; economic investment and wealth building; and physical and mental health.
“This new Black Philanthropy Fund honors the Cleveland Foundation’s decades-long legacy of centering Black voices in philanthropy by establishing a permanent opportunity for giving,” said Terri Bradford Eason, Senior Director of Philanthropy Initiatives at the Cleveland Foundation. “We created the fund to inspire collective giving and support the work of organizations that are driving meaningful, systemic change in Cleveland.”
The Black Philanthropy Fund is seeded with a $3 million endowment, creating a platform for sustained community impact over time and an opportunity for additional philanthropic investment.
Black Philanthropy Fund Committee members include:
- Robyn Minter Smyers
- Bishara Addison
- Carrie Carpenter
- Belva Denmark Tibbs
- Vickie Eaton Johnson
- Justin Horton
- Valissa Turner Howard
To apply for grants from the Black Philanthropy Fund:
Any organization with a 501(c)(3) designation eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions can apply for grants. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Black Philanthropy Fund webpage to review full eligibility guidelines and submit an application before the May 11 deadline.
The committee expects to award approximately $150,000 total in grants during its first round of grantmaking. Grant awards will range between $10,000 and $25,000.
To support the Black Philanthropy Fund:
Contributions provide direct support to organizations fueling collaborative, community-driven strategies that create lasting impact for generations to come.
Donations of any amount are welcomed; gifts are pooled and invested, and contributions grow a permanent endowment that supports grantmaking now and for future generations.
“Black philanthropy is woven into the fabric of Cleveland and has long been at the core of what’s best in our community,” said Belva Denmark Tibbs, member of the Black Philanthropy Fund Committee. “When we invest in our community together, we create opportunity, strengthen families and shape a future where generations can thrive.”
Visit the Black Philanthropy Fund webpage to learn more about grantmaking and giving opportunities.
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About the Cleveland Foundation
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation – and one of the largest today. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of residents of Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. For more information, visit ClevelandFoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Allison Baker, Cleveland Foundation
Email: abaker@clevefdn.org
Phone: (216) 615-7166
Tanya Reynolds, Cleveland Foundation
Email: treynolds@clevefdn.org
Phone: (216) 615-7262
