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.

2012

Assets recover from the impact of the Great Recession

The foundation’s $1.88 billion endowment propels its ranking as one of the top five largest community trusts in America.

2012

First $10 million grant, the largest to date

To commemorate its upcoming centenary, the foundation makes a historic gift in support of Case Western Reserve University’s new medical school.

2013

$1,783,903,817 

Total grantmaking since the foundation’s invention in 1914