12/17/2004 in Grantmaking

Foundation Awards $9.7 Million in December

CLEVELAND OH — The George Gund Foundation made major grants at its December meeting for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s renovation and expansion project, Cuyahoga County’s Invest in Children Initiative and other programs that reflect the Foundation’s continuing commitment to the urban core of the region.

The Foundation’s $5 million grant to the $225 million museum project will support the most ambitious renovation and expansion plan in the University Circle institution’s 88-year history.

The Invest in Children Initiative is a five-year $73 million public-private partnership to create an early childhood system that promotes child well-being from birth to six, supports parents and caregivers and builds community support for investment in young children.

The Foundation also continued its commitment to Shorebank Enterprise Group Cleveland with a $300,000 grant to support efforts to create economic opportunities in eastside Cleveland neighborhoods.

Issues related to farmland preservation and urban sprawl also received attention with grants to three organizations working in that field.

These grants were among 81 totaling $9,776,410 approved at the last quarterly meeting of 2004.

Other grants of interest included:

  • $75,000 to Policy Matters Ohio for state-level policy research on economic issues.
  • $35,000 to the Health Care Research and Policy Institute at Georgetown University to analyze the impact of proposed federal Medicaid changes on HIV/AIDS services.
  • $210,000 to the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture for operating support.
  • $60,000 to the Cleveland Botanical Garden for conservation program collaboration with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
  • $115,000 to the Center for Community Solutions for continued assistance in implementing the Cleveland Municipal School District’s Comprehensive Health Plan.
  • $50,000 over two years to Neighborhood Health Care for Tremont Clinic expansion.
  • $100,000 over two years to the Enterprise Foundation for the Green Communities Partnership to develop affordable green housing in Cleveland.

The George Gund Foundation was established in 1952 by George Gund, former chairman of the Cleveland Trust Company.

For Further Information Contact:
Deena M. Epstein (216)241.3114