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Endowment
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Grantmaking
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Gifts Received
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Interactive
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Talk to Fred
1914
First of eight surveys of pressing urban problems commissioned
The surveys, which document problems and recommend solutions, establish a precedent for community foundations to lead as well as support.
1914
The Cleveland Foundation is established on January 2
Cleveland Trust bank directors approve a Resolution and Declaration of Trust appointing the bank as the foundation’s sole trustee.
1919
First designated grant awarded
As per the donor’s wishes, the recipient is the Cleveland Protestant Orphans Asylum (now Beech Brook).
1919
First discretionary grants awarded
1924
In-kind services provided to important civic committees
The loan of its director and offices expands the foundation’s useful roles.
1931
74 community foundations have been established in North America
The Cleveland Foundation’s endowment ranks as fourth largest, trailing New York, Chicago and Boston.
1931
Four additional local banks become foundation trustees
The institution of a multiple trusteeship ensures a broader pool of potential donors, enhancing the foundation’s ability to weather the Depression.
1943
First logo unveiled
The logo, a medallion engraved with a frontiersman carrying surveyor’s tools, bears the phrase, “Pioneer Community Trust.”
1943
The Combined Fund is created to enable small gifts to the endowment
This innovative vehicle offers individuals of modest means a simple, affordable way to leave a charitable legacy.
1945
Contributions received from a record-breaking 325 individuals
1945
The endowment now comprises 50 named funds
Education, social services and health are the chief beneficiaries.
1945
The foundation receives largest gift of flexible dollars to date
The bequest of $1.7 million from oil heiress Bertha Backus Hale would be equivalent to $12 million today.
1961
A course-changing philanthropic demonstration project is launched with foundation support
The Greater Cleveland Associated Foundation is created specifically to stimulate fresh approaches to solving Cleveland’s increasingly grave socioeconomic problems.
1963
The Cleveland Foundation ranks as the country’s largest community trust
During the foundation’s first 50 years, more than 1,600 generous donors have swelled the size of the endowment to $84 million.
1964
First significant bequest for arts and culture received
Mechanical engineer and industrialist George C. Gordon and his wife Marion are the donors.
1967
Board expanded from five to 11 to accommodate GCAF trustees
1967
The Greater Cleveland Associated Foundation merges with the Cleveland Foundation
The union reinvigorates the older foundation’s grantmaking, swelling the philanthropic resources available locally for proactive problem-solving.
1971
The first $1 million grant is awarded
The grant advances the prospects that the federation of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University will create a great research university.
1975
Cultural affairs becomes a full-fledged program area
1984
Foundation offices relocated to the Hanna Building on Playhouse Square
The move is a symbolic gesture of support for the ongoing redevelopment of Cleveland’s theater district.
1985
Economic development becomes a full-fledged program area
1986
Donor-advised funds established
The foundation formalizes its commitment to serving living donors.
1987
“Special Initiatives” launched to revitalize schools, neighborhoods and the lakefront
Sustained, multimillion-dollar commitments are now seen as central to the foundation’s ability to make a difference.
1990
Sustained grantmaking begins in the field of the environment
1996
Spending policy revised to increase income available for grantmaking
The new formula for calculating available income is based on the endowment’s performance over time.
2000
Rolling grant reviews replace quarterly decision-making
More timely review procedures speed the disbursement of funds to grantees.
2002
Board expanded from 11 to 15 directors
A larger board gives the foundation the benefit of a greater range of perspectives.
2002
Board responsibilities refocused on identification of programmatic priorities
2005
Responsive grantmaking team formed to review mounting requests
2005
Senior program officers promoted to program directors
The new title reflects new responsibilities for leading strategic initiatives identified by the board.
2008
The People’s Entrepreneur
Homer C. Wadsworth – Director of the Cleveland Foundation 1974 to 1983
