Framework
for Focus Areas

Overview 

Through our grantmaking, we value partnership with our grantees and philanthropic colleagues. As we learn and grow in these grantmaking areas, this framework will help facilitate collaborative conversations with partners in the work. 

Diversity and Inclusion-Focused Partnership Prioritization

We will prioritize applicants that can demonstrate a thoughtful, inclusive and equitable approach to their work and involvement within the communities they serve. We welcome funding requests for organizations engaged in any of this work.

Criminal Justice
Education, Advocacy and Support

Focus Area Framework

Advocacy and support for individuals and families navigating the criminal justice system should be available to all, especially to populations experiencing systemic racism in Northeast Ohio.

Grant Opportunity Ideas

  • Policy and advocacy to address inequities within the criminal justice system
  • Transitional programming to support formerly incarcerated individuals
  • Family programming support for those who are involved within the criminal justice ecosystem

Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Cancer 
Support

Focus Area Framework

Access to innovative and population-specifi c cancer care should be available to all AYAs in Northeast Ohio in order to improve outcomes and quality of life for adolescents and young adults age 13-30.

Grant Opportunity Ideas

  • Research
  • Self-care
  • Treatment
  • Social and emotional wellness programmings 

Reproductive Rights
Education and Health Services Support

Reproductive Health

Focus Area Framework

Access to routine, quality and respectful reproductive health services should be available to all individuals of any age in Northeast Ohio.

Grant Opportunity Ideas

  • Education
  • Prevention services and access to family planning services and devices
  • Support for infant and maternal health
  • Policy and advocacy to address protecting a woman’s right to domain over her body

The Foundation will not fund faith-based or crisis pregnancy counseling.

Environmental Action
Awareness and Advocacy Support

Focus Area Framework

Access to air and water that is free of pollution should be available across all zip codes in Northeast Ohio.

Grant Opportunity Ideas

  • Pollution mitigation efforts that proactively address pollution, improve existing conditions, and/or remediate conventional air pollution and polluted water
  • Data collection, assessment, and analysis pertaining to public interest
  • Policy and advocacy projects to address inequities in air and water quality
  • Efforts that promote awareness about local environmental issues

The Arts
Access and Advocacy Support

Focus Area Framework

Involvement and enrichment through the arts inspires, engages and builds positive community—it should be more accessible and supported in under-resourced Northeast Ohio communities.
  • All arts funding will be initiated by the Foundation and we will no longer be accepting unsolicited requests. Click here to learn more.