Posted November 30, 20155:26 pm
November 2015 -- The Cleveland Foundation board of directors approved $7.2 million in grants for November, with a focus on funding programs that provide safe shelter and support networks.
"With the holidays and winter season upon us, it becomes even more critical that Greater Cleveland families have access to programs and services that provide compassionate care when it is needed the most,” Robert E. Eckardt, executive vice president of the Cleveland Foundation, said in a statement. “This month, we are proud to support organizations in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties that serve our most vulnerable residents.”
The foundation’s largest grant of $155,000 went to Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio for its Safe at Home program, which helps seniors remain in their homes as long as possible by offering home repairs and modifications, according to a news release.
Six organizations received $100,000 grants, including Emerald Development and Economic Network Inc. for critical upgrades and repairs to its Norma Herr Woman's Center, which offers shelter and support services to 150-200 women facing homelessness; BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence to help build the capacity of nonprofit organizations; and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to provide legal services to those with limited English proficiency.
The remaining three grants were from a donor-restricted fund to provide general operating support for A.M. McGregor Home, Benjamin Rose Institute and Cleveland Sight Center.
The foundation also gave $75,000 to West Side Catholic Center for its Moriah House Women and Children's Center and $33,980 to WomenSafe Inc., which provides shelter and support services to domestic violence survivors in Lake and Geauga counties.
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers Inc. received $25,000 to help complete its new Oak House facility, which will expand the organization's ability to provide housing and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women and women with young children.
The foundation granted $29,100 to Greater Cleveland Food Bank Inc. to grow its hunger relief services in Lake and Geauga counties, and $19,000 to Autism Speaks.
The grant to Autism Speaks will support educational efforts to improve the safety of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, who studies show are seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement, according to a news release. The funds will support special training for first responders on best practices for responding to people with autism.