The Cyrus Eaton Foundation
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation is a private foundation based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. It supports nonprofit organizations working in sustainable environments, social justice, cultural enrichment, and peaceful coexistence, with geographic eligibility focused on Northeast Ohio, Pugwash, Nova Scotia, and the United States Pugwash Conferences Group.
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation at a glance
In short: The Cyrus Eaton Foundation gave $200K across 52 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in Ohio. 29% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $199,800
- +34.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 52
- +13.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $3,842
- +19.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,350
- Total assets
- $2,665,918
- -0.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (15 of 52, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (53% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Cyrus Eaton Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Its website directs applicants to complete a Required Information Sheet and upload a single PDF containing a brief executive summary, IRS 501(c)(3) documentation, a list of the organization’s board, a detailed budget, and other funding sources for the request, identifying whether those funds are committed, pending, or received. Supporting materials are optional. Organizations funded in the prior year must also submit a final evaluation to be considered. The website says an organization may apply once per year and that recipients must wait until the same cycle the following year to apply again. The 2024 filing lists a letter of request, project budget, financial statements, and exemption letter as application materials, and states that there are no restrictions on awards.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists April 15, 2026, for the June meeting and September 15, 2026, for the November meeting; both dates have passed. It says decisions are finalized within six to eight weeks of the deadlines. The 2024 filing separately lists May 1 and October 1 as deadlines; those dates have also passed.
- Deadline
- The website lists April 15, 2026, for the June meeting and September 15, 2026, for the November meeting; both dates…
- Contact
Application contact: The Cyrus Eaton Foundation
Mailing address: 3091 Mayfield Road Suite 214, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 320-2285
Website: https://cyruseatonfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Cyrus Eaton Foundation
Who The Cyrus Eaton Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Pugwash Park Commission ($60K). Together the top 10 received $112K.
Grant Size Distribution
216 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 215 grants of 216 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website identifies Northeast Ohio and Pugwash, Nova Scotia, as eligible locations, and also names the United States Pugwash Conferences Group. It states that applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or Registered Canadian Charities. The foundation says most of its grants go to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio and that it supports the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and Pugwash Park Commission.
In 2024, 53% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio and 10% to recipients in Washington, DC. The state associated with the remaining 37% is not specified in the filing data.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 52 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Cyrus Eaton Foundation open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 52 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $5K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 60% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 48% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 174% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $135K (2021) to $200K (2024). In 2024 it made 52 grants totaling $200K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pugwash Park Commission | Unrestricted Gift | $60,000 |
| US Pugwash Washington, DC | Unrestricted Gift | $20,000 |
| North Cumberland Historical Society | Unrestricted Gift | $6,000 |
| Centre for Local Prosperity | Unrestricted Gift | $5,000 |
| Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland Cleveland, OH | Unrestricted Giftunrestricted Gift | $5,000 |
| Western Reserve Land Conservancy Cleveland, OH | Unrestricted Gift | $3,500 |
| Drink Local Drink Tap Inc Cleveland, OH | Unrestricted Gift | $3,000 |
| Fostering Hope Solon, OH | Unrestricted Gift | $3,000 |
| Land Studio Inc Cleveland, OH | Unrestrictd Gift | $3,000 |
| Amis Cleveland HTS, OH | Unrestricted Gift | $3,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Cyrus Eaton Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,665,918 | $247,789 | $266,261 | $199,800 | 52 | $241,323 | $222,851 | $138,381 |
| 2023 | $2,684,372 | $82,267 | $203,695 | $148,500 | 46 | $178,580 | $57,152 | $135,458 |
| 2022 | $2,808,256 | $61,649 | $192,657 | $136,500 | 38 | $164,695 | $37,351 | $142,415 |
| 2021 | $2,935,364 | $381,458 | $192,780 | $135,300 | 42 | $164,788 | $353,466 | $156,321 |
| 2020 | $2,748,330 | $93,987 | $195,223 | $136,400 | 38 | — | $67,590 | $146,936 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Cyrus Eaton Foundation reported a distributable amount of $138K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to advance sustainable environments, social justice, cultural enrichment, and peaceful coexistence. Its stated areas include conservation, climate-change solutions and sustainability; health care, housing, food, equal opportunities, and employment for underserved or disadvantaged populations; access to artistic, educational, and cultural opportunities; and peaceful coexistence, conflict resolution, and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
Examples of 2024 grantees illustrate the range of work supported. Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland says its mission is to coordinate emergency food distribution, food recovery and waste-reduction efforts, and other nutrition services in Cuyahoga County. Western Reserve Land Conservancy describes its mission as land conservation and restoration for public benefit. Drink Local Drink Tap says it works through education and events to address water issues and provide safe-water access to people in need. L.A.N.D. Studio describes its work as creating places and connecting people through public art, sustainable building and design, collaborative planning, and programming. City Fresh says it seeks to create an inclusive local food system that nourishes people, sustains farmers, and protects soil and waterways.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 52 grants totaling $199,800. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $60,000, with a median of $2,350. Its website says it typically distributes approximately $160,000 across two funding cycles each year; typical grants are $1,000–$5,000, with high-impact grants of $5,000–$15,000 considered in rare circumstances.
Among the larger 2024 awards were $60,000 to Pugwash Park Commission and $20,000 to US Pugwash, both listed as unrestricted gifts. Other awards included $6,000 to North Cumberland Historical Society, $5,000 each to Centre for Local Prosperity and Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, and $3,500 to Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Matthew Eaton as president; Catherine I. Eaton and Robert Lefever as vice-presidents; Alice J. Gulick as trustee; Henry W. Gulick as treasurer; Ralph P. Higgins as assistant treasurer; and Shelly Rose as secretary.
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation is led by Matthew Eaton, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); all 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Matthew Eaton
President
Trustee → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Alice J. Gulick
Trustee
Secretary → President, 2022
President → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Catherine I. Eaton
Vice President
President → Vice President, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Henry W. Gulick
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$4K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Ralph P. Higgins
Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Robert Lefever
Vice President
Trustee → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Shelly Rose
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
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 $2K, to Catherine I Eaton (Vice-President). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Cyrus Eaton Foundation
How much does The Cyrus Eaton Foundation give each year?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation gave $200K across 52 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $149K across 46 grants.
What is The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's typical grant size?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,350, and its average grant was $3,842, across 52 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Cyrus Eaton Foundation that year got $2K on average.
Where does The Cyrus Eaton Foundation give grants?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 53% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cleveland, OH (27 grants) and Cleveland HTS, OH (3 grants).
Does The Cyrus Eaton Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 98% of The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (51 of 52) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's largest grantees?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Pugwash Park Commission ($60,000), US Pugwash ($20,000) and North Cumberland Historical Society ($6,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Cyrus Eaton Foundation?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation reported $2.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $241K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $138K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Cyrus Eaton Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to advance sustainable environments, social justice, cultural enrichment, and peaceful coexistence. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Cyrus Eaton Foundation?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's EIN?
The Cyrus Eaton Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7440277. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Cyrus Eaton Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Cyrus Eaton Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-cyrus-eaton-foundation-morg_ed8c02dcd7b64e67a1b94e583df08aad
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237440277_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Cyrus Eaton Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-cyrus-eaton-foundation-morg_ed8c02dcd7b64e67a1b94e583df08aad},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. 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 Cyrus Eaton 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.
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