19.12 Future of the Profession

The philanthropic sector in Northeast Ohio is evolving in response to emerging trends such as social impact investing, public-private partnerships, and data-driven grantmaking.

• Social Impact Investing – Foundations are increasingly using their financial resources not only for charitable grants but also for investments that generate both financial returns and measurable social benefits. This approach allows foundations to address systemic challenges—such as affordable housing, job creation, and environmental sustainability—while sustaining their endowments for future giving. In Cleveland, organizations like the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation are exploring impact investments that drive economic development and community resilience, creating long-term change beyond traditional grantmaking.

• Public-Private Partnerships – Collaboration between foundations, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits is reshaping philanthropy in Northeast Ohio. These partnerships allow for shared resources, cross-sector expertise, and large-scale impact on critical issues such as urban revitalization, workforce development, and public health. In recent years, foundations have worked alongside city planners to revitalize Cleveland neighborhoods by expanding access to green spaces, increasing affordable housing, and improving healthcare services. These efforts leverage the efficiency of the private sector with the oversight of the public sector, creating comprehensive, sustainable solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.

• Data-Driven and Community-Led Philanthropy – Funders are placing greater emphasis on data collection and impact measurement to ensure their investments produce tangible results. At the same time, there is a growing movement toward community-led philanthropy, where grantmaking decisions involve direct input from the residents and organizations most affected by funding choices. These approaches aim to increase transparency, effectiveness, and equity in grantmaking, ensuring that resources flow to the projects with the greatest potential for long-term impact.

Opportunities and Challenges 

Cleveland’s changing demographics and economic landscape present both opportunities and challenges for the future of philanthropy.  

Opportunities

• A More Inclusive Approach to Philanthropy – As Cleveland’s population becomes more diverse, foundations have an opportunity to fund initiatives that support minority-owned businesses, immigrant communities, and racial and economic equity efforts. This shift is prompting many funders to rethink their grantmaking strategies by investing in community-led initiatives and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups.

• Engaging the Next Generation of Philanthropic Leaders – Younger generations in Cleveland are more engaged in social issues, sustainability, and community-driven solutions than previous ones. Foundations and nonprofits can capitalize on this momentum by creating pathways for younger professionals to enter philanthropy, including through mentorship programs, leadership training, and digital engagement strategies that align with their values.

Challenges

• Economic Uncertainty and Rising Needs – While Cleveland has seen progress in revitalization efforts, pockets of poverty, unemployment, and population decline continue to create urgent demands for social services, job training, and housing assistance. Limited foundation resources may force difficult decisions about which programs to prioritize, leaving some needs unmet.

• The Pressure for Measurable Results – The shift toward outcome-driven philanthropy has improved accountability but may also discourage funding for high-risk, innovative projects that require longer timelines to show impact. Foundations must strike a balance between measuring immediate success and supporting long-term, transformative initiatives that address Cleveland’s deeper systemic challenges.

Looking Ahead 

The future of philanthropy in Northeast Ohio will depend on how well funders adapt to shifting donor expectations, economic realities, and community needs. By embracing innovation, supporting diverse and inclusive grantmaking, and remaining flexible in funding approaches, Cleveland’s philanthropic organizations can continue to drive positive, lasting change for generations to come.