George Gund Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The George Gund Foundation supports the arts, economic development, community revitalization, education, the environment and human services in the Greater Cleveland area of Ohio.
IP TAKE: This locally focused funder works broadly in the Cleveland area. It runs an open, online application system and considers new submissions three times a year.
PROFILE: Established in 1952, the George Gund Foundation is a private foundation based in Cleveland, Ohio. George Gund had a successful career in banking and real estate and was the president of the Cleveland Trust Company. He directed grantmaking to institutions that were important to him until his death in 1966. His foundation aims to contribute "to human well-being and the progress of society.” It funds local efforts for the arts, economic development, community revitalization, education, the environment, and human services.
The George Gund Foundation’s art grants support local art groups in Cleveland, especially curriculum-related partnerships with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Gund balances its support between long-standing arts institutions and newer arts organizations that can reach diverse audiences. Economic development and community revitalization grants support urban planning, parks and public space improvements, equal opportunities in housing and the workplace and the redevelopment of Cleveland’s downtown, residential neighborhoods and first-ring suburbs. Education grants focus on teacher and administrator development, disadvantaged students’ transition to higher education and statewide policy and advocacy efforts. Gund’s environmental grants address urban sprawl, energy consumption, waste, biodiversity, health hazards and public awareness. In the area of human services, the foundation supports organizations working in the fields of reproductive health services, basic needs, access to health insurance and post-prison support. Retinal degenerative diseases are also of interest to the foundation.
Grants range between about $10,000 and $300,000. The foundation has made over $14 million in annual grants in recent years. Grantmaking focuses on Northeast Ohio and the Greater Cleveland area. Past local grantees include the Great Lakes Theater Festival, Hiram House, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and $1.5 million to the Energy Foundation for the Ohio Climate Justice Fund. Gund has also given $14.4 million toward relief and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in Ohio, particularly in Cleveland. Learn more about this funder’s local giving in the funder’s grants archive.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits through its online grant application system. The foundation trustees meet three times per year to consider proposals, and deadlines are on the 15th of November, March, and July. Direct general questions to the staff at info@gundfdn.org or 216-241-6560.
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