Cleveland Foundation Grant

The Cleveland Foundation is a community-based philanthropic organization serving Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties in Ohio. With a mission to enhance the lives of area residents through charitable investments, it offers ongoing grantmaking opportunities to support nonprofits and public entities that align with its strategic goals. The foundation accepts applications year-round for its standard grant process and supports a broad range of programs and initiatives that serve its local geographic area. The standard grant program is open to tax-exempt organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities by the IRS. In addition to nonprofits, certain government agencies and churches are eligible to apply. Proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to residents of Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties. Applications from organizations not previously registered in the Cleveland Foundation’s Grants Gateway must register at least two weeks in advance of any posted deadlines to ensure full access to support and review. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s Grants Gateway portal, where organizations must first create or update their organizational profile. Applicants will need their EIN, executive director details, and authorized user information. The profile helps showcase the organization to the foundation’s staff and is essential before any grant application can be submitted. Once the profile is complete, applicants may submit their proposal through the online system. While the foundation does not assist in proposal writing, it provides an online user guide and access to staff who can answer questions about the submission process. Proposals should be focused on priority projects, as there is no restriction on the number of applications an organization can submit. Grant amounts vary, and applicants are encouraged to request the funding amount necessary to complete their project successfully. Applications are reviewed by program officers who have specialized knowledge in various subject areas. Proposals are evaluated on their alignment with the foundation’s mission, the strength of the plan, and the anticipated impact on the local community. If an application is declined, organizations are welcome to reapply with a new or revised proposal. The grant opportunity remains open year-round, with cyclical review periods based on submission deadlines. While no matching funds are explicitly required, applicants should ensure that their budget and justification materials are clear and complete. For additional information, applicants can contact the foundation directly at 216.861.3810.

Organizations are encouraged to register at least two weeks prior to deadlines. Keeping the organizational profile up to date is recommended, as staff may review it even for donor-advised fund distributions.