The Cleveland Foundation makes grants to tax-exempt agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations (public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. 

Standard Grant Application Deadlines

APPLICATION DEADLINE 

NOTIFICATION DATE 

December 31 

End of March 

March 31 

End of June 

June 30 

End of September 

September 15 

End of December 

Important Reminders 

  • Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. EST on the dates listed. 
  • The standard grant application remains open year-round. Applications received after the deadline will be considered in the next application cycle. 
  • Organizations not yet registered in the grants gateway portal should plan to complete registration at least two weeks in advance of any deadline.  
  • The grants management team cannot guarantee individual assistance on the days leading up to a deadline. 

Other Grant Application Deadlines 

The Foundation has additional grant opportunities with separate application processes. Families, corporations, individuals, and other foundations have established funds at the Cleveland Foundation. These funds have their own grantmaking strategies, application and approval processes. Learn more.

How to Apply

Step 1: Register for Access via Grants Gateway

Obtain your individual username and password and register/connect to an organization. You will need the following information:  

  • organization name (as listed on your IRS Determination Letter) 
  • organization address 
  • EIN number (check GuideStar to verify your organization’s status with the IRS) 
  • executive director’s name and email address 

Register for Access

Step 2: Create or update your organization profile

Your profile helps to showcase your organization to Cleveland Foundation staff. You must complete or update your profile on the Grants Gateway platform before submitting a grant application. 


Step 3: Complete a Grant Application

The standard grant application remains open year-round. Complete your grants applications by  11:59 p.m. EST on the deadline date. Applications received after the deadline will be considered in the next application cycle. 

Organizations not yet registered in the grants gateway portal should plan to complete registration at least two weeks in advance of any deadline.  

If you need additional assistance applying for a grant, a detailed user guide is available to download. 


Grants Gateway Login

Contact Us

Our Grants Management staff is available to answer questions and guide you through the process. Feel free to contact us .