Who We Are

Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.8 billion and 2011 grants of $80 million. Through the generosity of our donors, the foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership on vital issues. The foundation tackles the community's priority areas  —  economic transformation, public school improvement, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, and arts advancement  —  and responds to the community's needs.

Often, people transforming our community alongside us are outside the spotlight's glare, quietly doing the heavy lifting to make Cleveland and Clevelanders better. This year, we are proud to highlight in this report seven people reaching out and connecting to our community in remarkable ways.