Announcing the 2024 Foundations for Philanthropy class

The Cleveland Foundation today announced the 21-member class of its Foundations for Philanthropy (FFP) program. Now in its fifth cohort, FFP is an award-winning, interactive experience designed to launch individuals into lifelong philanthropy by teaching skills and strategies to leverage participants’ time, talent, treasure and ties into meaningful impact for our region.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented and passionate group of individuals coming together to participate in the next cohort of this program,” said Kristen Grabenstein, Cleveland Foundation philanthropy officer. “By working together to address a complex social issue, they will gain skills and experiences to help them become engaged philanthropists and civic leaders driving change in our community for years to come.”

FFP participants will partake in a program that explores philanthropic approaches to problem solving. The six-month program begins in January 2024, and these community-minded peers will engage in interactive workshops led by experienced Cleveland Foundation staff. Together, the cohort will explore community issues, choose an area of focus and – at the conclusion of the program – provide grant support to impactful nonprofit organizations. Among the topics slated to be covered are:

How philanthropy addresses key community issues in Northeast Ohio;
Ways to identify and address root causes;
How to source and evaluate effective programs; and
Exploring participants’ own mission, vision and values related to philanthropy.

Past cohorts have focused on issues ranging from mental health to literacy and leadership for youth and have supported such organizations as Motogo, Recess Cleveland, YWCA, Humility of Mary Housing, Colors+, the Refugee Response and Queen I Am. This group was selected from applicants in the community who are interested in learning more about philanthropy, grantmaking and local nonprofits. The members of the 2024 class are:

Aimon Ali – Fashion Talks Foundation
Tyler Ankrom – Stratos Wealth Partners
Jerry Billups – Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court
Welheimina Brempong – Cleveland Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program
Jamila Campbell – St. Joseph Academy
Stefanie Galbreath – Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Adrian Griffin – Center for Tech and Civic Life
Abbie Hair – Youth Challenge
Dr. Brandi Rae Hicks – Serve University
Ethan Holmes – Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce
Aziah Kado – Greater Cleveland Career Consortium
Kristen Kuzma – Fairway Wealth Management LLC
Dr. Jennifer Macklin – Hands-on Health
Josh Maxwell – Small Organization Solutions
Caitlin Miller – United Way of Greater Cleveland
Sakina Newhams – Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy Institute
Joyce Ng – Neighborhood Family Practice
André Russell – Sports and Spine Physical Therapy
Gabriella Sankovic – Yuma Travel
Daniel Vujanov – PEAK Wealth Solutions
Ashly Wells – Oriana House Inc.