The George Gund Foundation

12/17/2008 in Grantmaking

Foundation Awards $6.2 Million in December

The George Gund Foundation made a $1 million grant to help re-configure Playhouse Square’s 2,800 seat Allen Theatre into two smaller stages that will be home to an expanded Cleveland State University theater department and also be available for use by other local arts organizations. 

“This creative re-use of an existing facility will provide CSU with space for its theater program at much less cost than new construction and also will bring increased activity to Playhouse Square,” said David Abbott, Foundation executive director.

The grant was among 76 grants totaling $6,249,900 made by Foundation trustees at the last quarterly meeting of 2008. Total grantmaking for the year was $18,385,101.

Other grants of interest included:

  • $450,000 to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for its new library and archives facility that will be located on Cuyahoga Community College’s Metropolitan Campus and for community events surrounding the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cleveland.
  • $75,000 to Cuyahoga Community College for the new Pathways out of Poverty through Green Jobs program
  • $100,000 over two years to Scenarios USA for operating support and a Cleveland film contest for teens focused on responsible sexual behavior
  • Up to $300,000 to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance for economic development efforts
  • $100,000 over two years to the Economic Growth Foundation for the Opportunity Corridor project
  • $50,000 to the Cleveland Municipal School District for its comprehensive school-based reproductive health curriculum
  • $30,000 to Rails to Trails Conservancy for its work with the City of Cleveland on its 2010 Active Transportation campaign

The George Gund Foundation was established in 1952 by George Gund, former chairman of the Cleveland Trust Company. The Foundation funds programs that enhance our understanding of the physical and social environment in which we live and increase our ability to cope with its changing requirements. Grants are made quarterly in the areas of education, human services, economic and community development, environment and arts. Foundation commitments to date have totaled more than $523 million.

For further information contact:
Deena M. Epstein (216) 241.3114