The Cleveland Foundation

The LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund is an affinity fund of the Cleveland Foundation. Affinity funds are groups of donors and community members united by a shared heritage, identity or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving and committee-led grantmaking.  

According to a 2023 report from the Williams Institute, Ohio has the sixth-largest LGBTQ+ population in the United States; and yet, organizations that serve this population are underrepresented in philanthropic funding. 

Historically, philanthropy has not adequately or equitably invested in nonprofit organizations led-by and serving minority communities like the LGBTQ+, Latinx/e or Hispanic and Black communities. To better invest in those communities, expand those who see themselves as philanthropists and to ensure funds are guided by community, the Cleveland Foundation decided to launch three affinity funds.  

More affinity funds may come online in future years as additional communities may desire to have their own affinity fund.  

Affinity funds are groups of donors and community members united by a shared heritage, identity or common interest. They offer an efficient way to support a specific group of people and the nonprofits that aid them by leveraging contributions through collective giving and committee-led grantmaking. This model allows for all gifts of all sizes to amplify impact through pooling all gifts in one investment fund.  

These funds will be internally designated as committee advised funds, meaning  all the affinity funds must be guided by a committee of at least five members of that community and its allies. Those committee members will have several key responsibilities:   

• provide thoughtful guidance leveraging the Cleveland Foundation’s expertise;  
• review grant strategy and applications; 
• support fundraising efforts and 
• advocate on behalf of the fund and its priorities.  

Staff will be assigned to support the affinity fund committee operations.  

The Cleveland Foundation will invest the fund to ensure growth over time. Affinity funds are invested in one of the foundation’s socially responsible pools that focuses on equity by excluding investment areas that do not align with our values.  

Anyone can make a gift to any affinity fund at any time. There is no giving minimum and donated funds will be pooled with other donations. 

The LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund will make grants on an annual basis. They will have their own application deadlines and grantmaking priorities. Grant requests will be reviewed by the advisory committee in partnership with Cleveland Foundation staff. 

Tax-exempt agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations (public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service) can apply. Additionally, the committee is developing other eligibility requirements and the timeline.

• Regional LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment
• Cleveland LGBTQ+ History
• Why Pronouns Matter
• The Evolving Recognition of Identity
• Pride Flag Origins