Saint Luke’s Foundation Community Grants

Saint Luke’s Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, supports health equity in Cleveland through strategic grantmaking that emphasizes resident leadership and community-driven solutions. In alignment with this mission, the Foundation’s Community Grants program offers funding directly to residents and small nonprofits located within three key neighborhoods: Buckeye–Shaker, Mt. Pleasant, and Woodland Hills. These grants enable local leaders to implement grassroots initiatives that improve neighborhood health and well-being through resident empowerment, access to resources, and creative community development strategies. Community Grants are part of a participatory grantmaking model led by the Resident Advancement Committee (RAC), a group of community members entrusted with decision-making authority over the Foundation’s discretionary community grant budget. Each year, the RAC awards up to $140,000 in grants to support initiatives that address the social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes. Projects must align with one or more of the program’s five priority areas: Belonging and People Power, Economic Vitality, Holistic Well-Being, Lifelong Learning, and Placemaking and Placekeeping. Eligible projects might include initiatives such as community gardens, mentoring programs, or neighborhood beautification efforts. Applicants can receive up to $6,000 per project, and grant funds must be used within one year of award. Residents interested in applying must first complete a Community Grant Inquiry Form, which includes basic project details, a proposed timeline, and estimated budget. This inquiry must be submitted at least two to three months before the intended project start date. Following submission, applicants will be contacted by a representative of the RAC to schedule a meeting. If the project is deemed a good fit, applicants will be invited to formally apply through the Foundation’s grants portal. Applications are accepted from March through September and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Deadlines for 2026 are as follows: March 2, May 4, July 6, and September 7. Each decision is issued within approximately two to three weeks of submission. If awarded, recipients will sign a grant agreement via the online portal and receive payment, typically within a few weeks. Grants may be administered directly to individuals or groups, or through a fiscal sponsor if the applicant is not a registered 501(c)(3). Fiscal sponsors are required to apply for and manage funds on behalf of sponsored applicants and may charge an administrative fee. At the end of the grant period, recipients must submit a final report. This can be completed in writing through the grants portal, through a conversation with a Program Officer, or by attending the Foundation’s Final Report Party. This annual event brings together grant recipients and RAC members to reflect on project outcomes, share lessons learned, and strengthen community connections. The 2026 Final Report Party is scheduled for January 2027. For application support or questions, prospective applicants may contact the Foundation at 216-431-8010 or [email protected].

Reach out early (2–3 months ahead); Have a clear project budget and timeline; Fiscal sponsor should be confirmed if needed