19.1 Philanthropy in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio has a long history of philanthropy, with foundations and charitable organizations playing a crucial role in supporting community development, education, the arts, health initiatives, and social services. The region is home to a diverse array of philanthropic institutions, from large, well-established foundations to smaller family-led and corporate giving programs. These organizations direct funding toward initiatives that address pressing social and economic challenges while fostering innovation and long-term solutions.  

Major Foundations and Their Impact 

• The Cleveland Foundation – Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the oldest community foundation in the world. It funds a broad spectrum of initiatives, including education, public health, economic development, and the arts. Its impact is seen in projects like the Greater University Circle Initiative, which has helped revitalize key Cleveland neighborhoods, and the Say Yes to Education Cleveland program, which provides scholarships and wraparound services to students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

• The George Gund Foundation – Founded in 1952, the George Gund Foundation focuses on public education, economic and community development, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. The foundation has played a critical role in funding Cleveland’s arts sector, supporting institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra. It has also backed major social justice initiatives, including efforts to advance equity in education and criminal justice reform.

• The Mt. Sinai Health Foundation – With a focus on health equity and access to care, this foundation supports initiatives that improve public health, medical research, and health education. It has provided funding for MetroHealth’s community health programs and efforts to reduce infant mortality in Cuyahoga County.

• The Abington Foundation – A family foundation committed to enhancing educational opportunities, healthcare access, and economic self-sufficiency, particularly for underserved populations in Northeast Ohio. The foundation funds after-school programs, workforce training initiatives, and health interventions aimed at improving quality of life for families in the region.

• The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation – This foundation is well known for its support of leadership development, education, and community-building initiatives. It has contributed to the growth of institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland while also supporting programs that foster civic engagement and nonprofit leadership.

• The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation – Focused on youth development, mental health, and early childhood education, this foundation funds programs that support the well-being of children and families. Its grants have helped expand mental health services in schools and increase access to early childhood learning resources.

Corporate Philanthropy and Giving Programs

Many of Northeast Ohio’s leading businesses have established philanthropic arms to invest in local communities:  

• KeyBank Foundation – The philanthropic branch of KeyBank supports economic and workforce development, financial education, and community revitalization. Its grants have funded entrepreneurship programs and affordable housing initiatives throughout the region.

• The Sherwin-Williams Foundation – Focuses on arts and education funding, supporting programs that enrich Cleveland’s cultural landscape and provide educational resources for local students.

• The Lubrizol Foundation – Prioritizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, workforce training, and environmental sustainability. It has funded scholarship programs and green initiatives in Northeast Ohio.

These corporate foundations provide funding, employee volunteer programs, and in-kind donations that contribute to the strength and sustainability of the nonprofit sector.  

Community Foundations and Grassroots Giving 

In addition to large foundations and corporate philanthropy, Northeast Ohio is home to smaller community foundations and grassroots funding initiatives that address local needs at a neighborhood level:

• The Akron Community Foundation – A major philanthropic institution in Summit County, this foundation supports initiatives in health and human services, civic affairs, and the arts, often awarding grants to smaller nonprofits that serve local communities.

• Neighborhood Connections – A unique grassroots grantmaking program affiliated with the Cleveland Foundation, this initiative funds small-scale, resident-led projects aimed at strengthening neighborhoods. From supporting urban agriculture programs to funding community arts initiatives, Neighborhood Connections empowers residents to drive change from the ground up.

• The Burton D. Morgan Foundation – Focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among youth and small businesses. The foundation funds programs at organizations like JumpStart and Magnet to help emerging entrepreneurs succeed.

These community-based philanthropic efforts ensure that funding reaches organizations working on the front lines of social change, addressing issues such as poverty, education gaps, and neighborhood revitalization.