[Cleveland Foundation](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org)

March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | September 15, 2026 | December 31, 2026

No set minimum or maximum; typical grants are one year; request what fits your project and organizational needs.

Supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties for projects that improve community well-being.

Application is open year-round; applications after a deadline roll to the next cycle.

--- ## Description The Cleveland Foundation provides funding opportunities for nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations (501(c)(3) public charities) and government agencies operating in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties, Ohio. Grants support a broad range of community-focused projects across areas such as economic development, neighborhood revitalization, education, environment, arts & culture, youth development, and social services. The foundation encourages proposals that address community needs, foster long-term impact, or respond to immediate challenges and opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Standard grant application deadline (quarterly) - June 30, 2026: Standard grant application deadline (quarterly) - September 15, 2026: Standard grant application deadline (quarterly) - December 31, 2026: Standard grant application deadline (quarterly) Applications are accepted year-round; those submitted after a listed deadline are considered in the next cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - The Cleveland Foundation does **not** have predetermined minimum or maximum award amounts. - Applicants are encouraged to request funding that aligns with their project’s needs and organizational capacity. - Most grants are for a one-year period. - Multi-year or renewal funding is possible unless otherwise notified. - Foundation does **not** fund expenses incurred prior to the grant award. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be: - 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charities, **or** - Government agencies, **or** - Churches (for non-religious purposes) - Projects must serve residents of Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties. - Organizations **without** 501(c)(3) status may apply through a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified 501(c)(3); a signed Fiscal Sponsorship Form is required. - The foundation generally does **not** fund: - Individuals or for-profit/commercial organizations - Endowment campaigns, annual appeals, or membership drives - Religious organizations for religious purposes - Travel as the primary focus - Community services like police/fire protection, road repair, or snow removal - Capital projects for hospitals, nursing homes, or higher education institutions --- ## Application Process 1. **Register in the Grants Gateway Portal** - Organizations must register at least two weeks before the deadline. - Both individual user and organization registration are required. - Fiscal sponsors (if applicable) must also register and submit a signed agreement. 2. **Prepare Application Materials** - Update and review your organization’s profile before starting an application. - Required attachments include: - Board list with affiliations - Organizational chart - Organizational budget - Most recent audit or financial statement - Fiscal Sponsor Agreement (if applicable) - Optional attachments may be included. 3. **Submit Standard Grant Application** - Complete all sections in the portal (Contact Information, Project Summary, Project Budget, Demographics). - Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the deadline date. 4. **Review & Notification** - Applications are reviewed after each deadline. - Notification of funding decisions typically occurs by the end of the quarter following the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Applications submitted after a deadline are automatically considered in the next cycle. - The foundation offers additional grant opportunities through affiliated funds, each with its own process and timeline. - For capital project requests, review the [Capital Grants Guidelines](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/files/assets/capitalgrantsguidelines.pdf) before applying. - The grants management team cannot guarantee individual assistance in the two business days prior to a deadline. --- ## External Links - [Cleveland Foundation Grant Opportunities Overview](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/overview) - [Apply for a Grant – Standard Application Portal](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant) - [Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF)](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/files/assets/grantsgatewayinstructions.pdf) - [Standard Grant Application Questions Preview (PDF)](https://www.iphiview.com/tcf/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=CtJYFISOgF8%3d&tabid=676&mid=2474) - [Affiliated Funds Opportunities](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/affiliated-funds/) - [Capital Grants Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/files/assets/capitalgrantsguidelines.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Department | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |--------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Grants Management | grantsmgmt@clevefdn.org | 216.861.3810 | [Contact the Cleveland Foundation](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/contact?regards=general_information) | If you encounter technical issues with the portal or need registration support, contact grantsmgmt@clevefdn.org and include your name, organization, and EIN for expedited assistance.

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