The Cleveland Foundation

The Cleveland Foundation, based in Cleveland, OH is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $3 billion and annual grants of more than $130 million. Established in 1914 by banker Frederick Harris Goff, the Cleveland Foundation partners with donors to improve the lives of residents in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties, now and for generations to come. The Cleveland Foundation is made up of more than 800 funds representing individuals, families, organizations and corporations.

The foundation was founded by Frederick Harris Goff, a well-known banker at the Cleveland Trust Company who sought to eliminate the "dead hand" of organized philanthropy. He created a dynamic, corporately structured foundation that could utilize community gifts in a responsive and need-appropriate manner. In 2019, 1,871 place-based foundations exist internationally based on this model.

For more than 109 years, the Cleveland Foundation has worked with donors, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to enhance the quality of life for all Greater Cleveland residents. With a focus on Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties, the foundation builds community endowment, addresses community needs through grantmaking and social impact investing, and provides leadership on vital issues. The Cleveland Foundation exists to enhance the quality of life for all the residents of Greater Cleveland. Throughout its history the Cleveland Foundation has pioneered place-based philanthropy and demonstrates a commitment to diversity in equity in every aspect of organization and its work.

The Cleveland Foundation is in the midst of pivotal time in its history with new President and CEO and many new generational leadership changes in the region. The Foundation has a unique moment to collaborate and innovate with the community in new ways and to transform the organization itself. Regional prioritization and resource alignment is taking shape. The Foundation will play an important role capitalizing on this moment for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.