Cleveland Foundation Grants

The Cleveland Foundation offers grants to support community needs in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties, focusing on reversing historic inequities affecting Black and Brown residents. Applications are accepted year-round, with no predetermined funding levels. Organizations can request funding that aligns with their capacity, and grants are typically made for one year. Note that the foundation does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or certain community services.

NOTE: The standard grant application remains open year-round. Applications received after the deadline will be considered in the next application cycle.
The Cleveland Foundation supports the needs, priorities and opportunities identified by communities and residents in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties, with a focus on both real-time and long-term impact to reverse the negative impact of historic disinvestment and inequity on Black and Brown Clevelanders.
A portion of our grantmaking is directed by foundation board and staff; the other portion is recommended by our donors.
Funding
We do not have predetermined funding levels. Request the amount that meets the needs of your program and aligns best with your organization’s capacity and other anticipated or received support.
Generally, we make grants for one year. Your organization may apply for continued support for a previously funded purpose or project unless we specifically notify you otherwise. Please submit your request well in advance of your project’s start date.

Eligibility

The Cleveland Foundation makes most of its grants to tax-exempt agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations (public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties. Some grants are also made to government agencies and churches.The Foundation accepts applications for capital projects based on our current policy.

Ineligibility

Religious organizations for religious purposes
Travel for individuals or groups when travel is the proposal’s primary focus
Community services such as police and fire protection, road repair or snow removal
Capital projects for hospitals, nursing homes or institutions of higher educationWe cannot fund project expenses that have already been incurred.