The Cleveland Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation is a public charity based in Cleveland, Ohio, established in 1914. It supports community needs and priorities in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties through grantmaking, investments and leadership, with a focus on both immediate needs and long-term community impact.
The Cleveland Foundation at a glance
In short: The Cleveland Foundation gave $184.2M across 1,016 grants in 2024 (avg $181K), mostly in Ohio. 22% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $184,237,952
- +22.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,016
- +5.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $181,337
- +16.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,668
- Total assets
- $3,285,560,340
- +11.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (220 of 1,010, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (91% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Cleveland Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 6601 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: (216) 861-3810
Website: https://clevelandfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
12 open opportunities from The Cleveland Foundation
Affiliated Funds- Frank Hadley Ginn & Cornelia Root Ginn Foundation Grants
The Cleveland Foundation
Amount
US $2,500 - US $15,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Cleveland Black Futures Fund
The Cleveland Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Cleveland Foundation Grants
The Cleveland Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Cleveland Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Cleveland Metropolitan School District ($17.5M). Together the top 10 received $57.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 7 grants to individuals ($11,273,884), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
4,732 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,849 grants of 4,732 (60%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website identifies Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties as its service area. In 2024, 91% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio; the remaining listed recipient-state shares were Utah, New York, California and the District of Columbia, each at 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,016 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Cleveland Foundation open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 220 of 1,010 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $116K; repeat grants $201K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $40K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $118.2M (2021) to $184.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 1,016 grants totaling $184.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Metropolitan School District Cleveland, OH | General Support for the Tremont Montessori School | $17,457,798 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $10,931,225 |
| Clefdnmidtown Collaboration Center Project Cleveland, OH | Construct & hold property for cleveland foundation (supported organization) | $8,500,000 |
| University Hospitals Health System Inc Cleveland, OH | Cardiac Surgery Fund | $6,260,501 |
| Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship Inc Cleveland, OH | Financial model; summer tuition implementation and for fall 2023, spring 2024 and summer 2024 scholarships | $4,645,041 |
| Jumpstart Inc Cleveland, OH | General Support | $4,604,000 |
| College Now Greater Cleveland Inc Cleveland, OH | Scholarship Fund | $4,118,681 |
| Angels for Animals Inc Canfield, OH | General Support | $3,748,822 |
| Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH | Taussig Cancer Research | $2,689,013 |
| Lake Erie College Painesville, OH | Provide scholarships for students in the painesville community to attend lake erie college | $2,593,232 |
Ready to take the next step with The Cleveland Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,285,560,340 | $302,815,178 | $222,320,279 | $184,237,952 | 1,016 | $126,933,834 |
| 2023 | $2,940,696,456 | $370,353,894 | $185,847,869 | $150,246,361 | 964 | $68,917,538 |
| 2022 | $2,479,675,814 | $234,720,202 | $160,647,426 | $125,877,954 | 965 | $75,346,645 |
| 2021 | $2,806,690,965 | $179,374,020 | $144,962,005 | $118,176,005 | 880 | $85,309,702 |
| 2020 | $2,462,394,752 | $116,704,950 | $147,398,382 | $119,406,344 | 907 | $28,592,645 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come, by working with donors to build community endowment, address needs through grantmaking and provide leadership on key community issues.
Its stated grantmaking areas include education and scholarships, human services, neighborhoods and housing, the philanthropic sector, health, arts and culture, the environment, and economic development. The foundation’s website describes long-term priorities as growing the region, investing in vibrant neighborhoods, and connecting people to prosperity. Immediate-impact grantmaking includes well-being and critical needs, new ideas, organizational sustainability and leadership, and capital projects.
Most grants go to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties; the foundation also makes some grants to government agencies and churches. Among 2024 grantees, an individual recipient Reserve University describes its work as an independent, research-oriented university with strengths in health, engineering, arts and sciences, law, management and social work. College Now Greater Cleveland says its mission is to increase postsecondary attainment through college and career advising, financial-aid counseling, scholarships and retention services. JumpStart says it works to connect entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities to support regional economic vitality.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 1,016 grants totaling $184,237,952. Grant amounts ranged from $5,033 to $17,457,798, with a median of $30,668. The largest 2024 grants included $17,457,798 to Cleveland Metropolitan School District for general support for Tremont Montessori School; $10,931,225 to an individual recipient Reserve University for the Oglebay Fellowship Program in its School of Medicine; and $8,500,000 for the Cleveland Foundation MidTown Collaboration Center project to construct and hold property for the foundation’s supported organization.
Other large grants included $6,260,501 to University Hospitals Health System for a cardiac surgery fund; $4,645,041 to Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship for financial-model and scholarship support; $4,604,000 to JumpStart for general support; and $4,118,681 to College Now Greater Cleveland for a scholarship fund.
For the standard grant application, the foundation’s website says applications are open year-round and that applications received after a deadline will be considered in the next cycle. Applicants register through the Grants Gateway, complete or update an organization profile, and submit an application. Registration requires organization information, an EIN, the executive director’s name and email, and authorized users’ names, titles and emails. Organizations should register at least two weeks before a deadline. The foundation generally does not fund individuals, for-profit organizations, endowment campaigns, annual appeals or membership drives, religious purposes, travel when it is the proposal’s primary focus, certain community services, or capital projects for hospitals, nursing homes or institutions of higher education.
The foundation also lists separate funds with their own processes. The Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund offers grants of $250–$5,000 for charitable purposes in Lyndhurst and contiguous communities, with intent to primarily benefit South Euclid-Lyndhurst Public Schools and local programs and nonprofits. Its listed deadline is March 1, 2027. The Thatcher Family Fund focuses on basic needs including food, clothing, shelter and medical care in Greater Cleveland. The Treu-Mart Fund, a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, focuses on children and youth, support and resiliency, and breaking intergenerational poverty in historically disadvantaged communities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Connie Hill-Johnson as chairman and director. Randell McShepard is listed as vice chair and director, effective April 1, 2024; Carrie Carpenter is listed as director and vice chair until March 31, 2024. Other directors listed are Ronald Adrine, Fred Bidwell, Margot Copeland, Kathleen Ferry, Rev. Dr. Robin Hedgeman, David Heller and Carey Jaros.
The Cleveland Foundation is led by Lillian Kuri, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 18 of 33 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Lillian Kuri
President & CEO
Senior Vice President → Executive Vice President & COO, 2021
Executive Vice President & COO → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
60 hrs/week
$264K (2020) → $595K (2024)
Connie Hill-Johnson
Chairman & Director
Director → Vice Chair & Director, 2021
Vice Chair & Director → Chairman & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Terri Eason
Sr.director-Philanthropy Equity Initiatives
Senior Director-Advancement Equity Initatives → Senior Director-Adv.equity Initiatives, 2022
Senior Director-Adv.equity Initiatives → Sr.director-Philanthropy Equity Initiatives, 2023
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$146K (2020) → $170K (2024)
Keisha Gonzalez
Senior Program Director
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$170K (2024)
Kevin Scanlon
Director, It Systems & Information
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$163K (2024)
Carrie Carpenter
Director
Director → Vice Chair & Director, 2022
Vice Chair & Director → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fred Bidwell
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Graham Veysey
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Ferry
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Margot Copeland
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maria Spangler
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Revdrrobin Hedgeman
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Stovsky
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ronald Ratner
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Randell McShepard
Vice Chair & Director
Director → Vice Chair & Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carey Jaros
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Heller
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ronald Adrine
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stewart Kohl
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ginger Mlakar
Senior Vice Present & General Counsel
General Counsel → General Counsel & Sr.director, 2021
General Counsel & Sr.director → Senior Vice Present & General Counsel, 2023
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$168K (2020) → $248K (2024)
Helen Williams
Vice President
Program Director → Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$196K (2020) → $228K (2024)
Kathleen Hallissey
Vice President
Program Director → Senior Program Director, 2023
Senior Program Director → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$149K (2020) → $194K (2024)
Kathy Parker
Vice President
Controller → Vice President & Controller, 2023
Vice President & Controller → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $188K (2024)
Leon Wilson
Chief Technology & Information Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$189K (2020) → $223K (2024)
Leslie A. Dunford
Vice President
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$125K (2020) → $181K (2024)
Monica Brown
Vice President
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$193K (2020) → $117K (2024)
Rosanne S. Potter
Chief Growth Officer & CFO
Senior Vice President, CFO & Treasurer → Chief Growth Officer, CFO & Treasurer, 2023
Chief Growth Officer, CFO & Treasurer → Chief Growth Officer & CFO, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$283K (2020) → $407K (2024)
Colette Jones
Chief Marketing Officer
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$210K (2022) → $234K (2024)
Leta Obertacz
Senior Vice President
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$97K (2022) → $280K (2024)
Courtney Lehmann
Corporate Secretary
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$66K (2023) → $78K (2024)
Anthony Gattuso
Vice President & Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$180K (2024)
Danielle Hanna
Vice President
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$128K (2024)
Victor Barbalato
Vice President
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$156K (2024)
Former officers (17)
- Former: Dale Anglin (2020–2023) — Vice President-Program
- Former: India Lee (2020–2023) — Senior Vice President
- Former: Megan Wilson (2020–2023) — Corporate Secretary
- Former: Ronald B. Richard (2020–2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Daniel Walsh (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Hiroyuki Fujita (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kaye M. Ridolfi (2020–2022) — Senior Vice President
- Former: Robert A. Glick (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Sally Gries (2020–2022) — Chairman & Director
- Former: Aparna Bole (2022) — Director
- Former: Ernest Wilkerson Jr. (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Michael Murphy (2020–2021) — Chief Marketing Officer-
- Former: Bernie Moreno (2020) — Director
- Former: Beth Rankin (2020) — Director
- Former: Inajo Davis Chappell (2020) — Vice Chair & Director
- Former: Jenniffer D. Deckard (2020) — Director
- Former: Michael Petras Jr. (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $595K, to Lillian Kuri (President & CEO). 18 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Cleveland Foundation
How much does The Cleveland Foundation give each year?
The Cleveland Foundation gave $184.2M across 1,016 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $150.2M across 964 grants.
What is The Cleveland Foundation's typical grant size?
The Cleveland Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,668, and its average grant was $181,337, across 1,016 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Cleveland Foundation that year got $116K on average.
Where does The Cleveland Foundation give grants?
The Cleveland Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Cleveland, OH (356 grants), Columbus, OH (29 grants), Washington, DC (26 grants) and New York, NY (20 grants).
Does The Cleveland Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 52% of The Cleveland Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (528 of 1,016) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Organization Distribution" (29 grants), "Endowment Distribution" (9 grants) and "Scholarship Fund" (7 grants).
Who are The Cleveland Foundation's largest grantees?
The Cleveland Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Cleveland Metropolitan School District ($17,457,798), Clefdnmidtown Collaboration Center Project ($8,500,000) and University Hospitals Health System Inc ($6,260,501), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 7 grants to individuals ($11,273,884), which are not listed by name. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Cleveland Foundation?
The Cleveland Foundation reported $3.3B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $302.8M.
What does The Cleveland Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to enhance the lives of all residents of Greater Cleveland, now and for generations to come, by working with donors to build community endowment, address needs through grantmaking and provide leadership on key community issues. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Cleveland Foundation?
The Cleveland Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check clevelandfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Cleveland Foundation's EIN?
The Cleveland Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-0714588. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 9, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Cleveland Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Ohio
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Columbus Foundation
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Foundation supports a broad range of nonprofit work, including arts, education, health, basic needs, neighborhoods, and capacity building, primarily in central Ohio. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,471, though amounts varied widely. Most grants are directed by donors and aren’t made through an application process, but some specific programs accept applications.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
1,747
Total Given
$242.7M
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funds nonprofits working on education, housing, community and cultural vibrancy, and related regional needs, with responsive grants focused on its eight-county Greater Cincinnati service area. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000, though amounts vary widely; specific opportunities include awards of up to $35,000 for Resilient Communities and up to $450,000 through the Neighborhood Development Fund. It lists RFP and letter-of-intent opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,408
Total Given
$184.4M
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation supports journalism education and related programs that foster informed, engaged communities, including journalism fellowships and environmental and technology-focused journalism initiatives. In 2024, grants ranged from $25 to $675,706, with a median of $1,250; funding was concentrated in Maryland and Washington, D.C., followed by Arizona, Ohio, and Colorado. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$69.4M
Grants
819
Total Given
$7.4M
Nisource Charitable Foundation
Columbus, OH
The NiSource Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits addressing safety, workforce and economic development, environmental stewardship, STEM and energy education, and basic needs in communities across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Its 2024 grants ranged from $60 to $2.1 million, with a median of $3,000. The filing directs applicants to contact the Foundation for application materials and deadlines; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$43.0M
Grants
683
Total Given
$7.5M
Dayton Foundation Depository
Dayton, OH
The Dayton Foundation Depository funds charitable, educational, civic, religious, and community activities, including arts and culture, health, education, and human services, primarily in the Greater Dayton region. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $12,000; the Foundation’s discretionary program accepts requests of more than $7,500 and up to $75,000, and Greenlight Grants offer $500 to $7,500.
Assets
$42.3M
Grants
677
Total Given
$22.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Ohio
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Cleveland Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-cleveland-foundation-morg_f03a0f47058d49ae93f26d4dd8b82092
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_340714588_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Cleveland Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-cleveland-foundation-morg_f03a0f47058d49ae93f26d4dd8b82092},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-07. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Cleveland Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Cleveland Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?