2025 Leading Educators toward Advanced Degrees Grant Program

The Cleveland Foundation's Black Futures Fund is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the ecosystem of Black leaders and Black-serving organizations within Greater Cleveland. This grant program aligns directly with the foundation's broader mission to advance community racial equity and dismantle systemic racism. By providing intentional resources for organizational infrastructure and capacity building, the fund aims to foster robust Black-led organizations crucial for community development and social change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Black-led, Black-serving nonprofit organizations operating in Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties. These organizations must have annual budgets ranging from $25,000 to $1 million to be eligible. The overarching impact goal is to empower these organizations to expand their reach and effectiveness, thereby deepening the field of leaders dedicated to racial equity. The fund's priorities and focuses include enhancing the organizational infrastructure and capacity of its grantees. This involves supporting initiatives that build stability, increase operational efficiency, and strengthen leadership within Black-led nonprofits. The Cleveland Foundation's strategic approach emphasizes sustained investment in these organizations as a key driver for long-term systemic change. Expected outcomes include a more resilient and impactful network of Black-led and Black-serving organizations in the Greater Cleveland area. Measurable results would ideally demonstrate improved organizational sustainability, increased service delivery to the community, and a more robust leadership pipeline dedicated to advancing racial equity. The foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering these organizations, they can more effectively address disparities and contribute to a more equitable society.