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The Cleveland Foundation Awards More Than $16 Million in Grants

At its quarterly meeting, The Cleveland Foundation's board of directors approved $16,673,274 in grants and program-related investments to local nonprofit organizations.

Of that figure, $1.5 million was provided from the Foundation's annual capital grants program to three organizations. They are:

--  Care Alliance will use a $500,000 grant to relocate and expand its
    health clinic for the homeless.

--  A $500,000 grant to the Center for Families and Children will be used
    to expand and renovate the Midtown Human Services Training Center during
    its Building on Hope campaign.

--  The Mental Health Services for Homeless Persons, Inc. received a
    $500,000 grant to purchase and renovate a new building which will allow the
    agency to improve its services while consolidating under one roof to reduce
    overhead
    

In other grantmaking, the Musical Arts Association received a $3 million grant. $2,000,000 will help the Orchestra maintain its position as one of the world's finest orchestras and a major contributor to our local economy by supporting business transformation efforts. $1,000,000 will assist the Orchestra in sustaining education and outreach programs that reach nearly10,000 people annually.

The Cleveland Play House received $275,000 to support its first season under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Bloom. During the upcoming 90th anniversary season, The Play House will produce shows that look back at the theater's legacy and forward to the future of American theater. A portion of the grant monies will also be used to support the inaugural "Fusion Festival." This new event will surround the season's final play and also include new work by other local performing arts organizations.

JumpStart, Inc. received a $1 million program-related investment, a low-interest loan, for its evergreen fund that invests in Northeast Ohio's most promising entrepreneurs. By aiding these budding companies, JumpStart will directly fuel the emergence of a dozen new companies and help to improve our local economy by fostering a more entrepreneurial business climate.

A $500,000 grant to Neighborhood Progress, Inc. (NPI) will support its Strategic Investment Initiatives program. Through the program, NPI will work to re-establish market forces to help six Cleveland neighborhoods (Buckeye, Detroit Shoreway, Fairfax, Glenville [Famicos Foundation], Slavic Village, Tremont West) become competitive in the region. This represents a new direction for NPI, as it focuses more on the creation of new products, staff development and establishing more efficient methods of accessing development capital.

The Domestic Violence Center will use a $250,000 grant to renovate and enhance its west side shelter enabling the organization to continue helping families in crisis. In 2004, the Center provided assistance to almost 600 women and children in need.

Case Western Reserve University will use a $350,000 grant for its Weatherhead School of Management for the creation of the Global Business Studies Institute. In creating the Institute, the University plans to develop a center for business globalization. The center will offer academic degrees, host visiting scholars and fellows, and organize workshops and conferences. By working with local organizations, the Institute hopes to reach out to foreign and local businesses.

For a complete list of second quarter grants, visit The Cleveland Foundation's Web site at www.clevelandfoundation.org.

The Cleveland Foundation is a public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Greater Cleveland. It is the oldest and second-largest community foundation in the nation. Its establishment in 1914 is cited as one of 10 events that most heavily influenced the development of the nonprofit sector in the 20th century and it continues to be a leader in its field. The Foundation has assets of approximately $1.63 billion and in 2004 awarded more than $86 million in grants and low-cost loans to Cleveland area nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, it has provided more than $900 million to nonprofit organizations and causes.

The Cleveland Foundation is made up of more than 800 funds created by individuals, families, organizations and corporations. It offers donors of all means the opportunity to have a lasting impact on their community while maximizing income, gift and estate tax benefits.

For more information about the organization, visit www.clevelandfoundation.org.

Distributed by Market Wire