Cleveland Foundation

Patrick Laudolff shared some insights from his "Summer of Purpose" and the value of his internship with the Cleveland Tree Coalition.

Common Threads Thrift, a program of the nonprofit Building Hope in the City, has grown from a single social enterprise into two thriving retail locations across Cleveland, with a third location in the early stages, employing over 60 people and offering meaningful, flexible jobs. The organization has empowered individuals through stable employment, professional development, and access to supportive benefits while also helping the environment by keeping more than 250,000 pounds of textiles out of landfills each year. This growth was made possible by early funding from the Cleveland Foundation, which helped launch the venture and fuel its expansion. Today, Common Threads generates 40% of the parent nonprofit’s revenue, funding housing, refugee support, and community leadership programs across the city. The Cleveland Foundation is proud to have been part of this journey, investing in sustainable solutions that build hope and opportunity for all.

Anijah Wright shared some insights from her "Summer of Purpose" and the value of her internship with The Music Settlement.

📚 Join us Fri. 9/19 as we kick off the celebration of 90 years of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, presented by the Cleveland Foundation 📍noon at the City Club Historian Jonathan D.S. Schroeder and award-winning author Vincent Brown will discuss the rediscovered 1855 narrative "The United States Governed by 600,000 Despots by fugitive slave John Swanson Jacobs"—an extraordinary work, more sociopolitical critique than life story, "Despots" offers a first hand account of how the enslaved truly viewed the institution of slavery. Also part of Cleveland Book Week - there will be a book signing by the author and book sales are provided by ThirdSpace Reading Room https://lnkd.in/eAydfFJv

Today we celebrate National Intern Day and the amazing work our interns have accomplished this summer. Since 1999, the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program has provided undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates a “summer of purpose” – an opportunity to work in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies during an 11-week paid internship. In addition to their work experience, our interns enjoyed several networking opportunities with area leaders this summer!

Peyton Darcy shared some insights from her "Summer of Purpose" and the value of her internship with The City Club of Cleveland.

Talespinner Children's Theatre creates inclusive, accessible performances and arts education opportunities for Cleveland’s youth. From sensory-friendly shows to school tours, classes, and summer camps, Talespinner ensures all children have access to the arts. Executive Artistic Director, Heather Utsler-Smith shares that with support from the Cleveland Foundation, they have expanded education and accessibility programs, reaching more families across the city. Learn more about Talespinner Children's Theatre here: https://lnkd.in/gbTNNHx

Elisa Gauntner shared some insights from her "Summer of Purpose" and the value of her internship with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

The Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Exhibition Space was filled with members of the community last week for the Tale of Two Taínos: A Journey Through Culture, Home and History! A collaboration between photographer Gabriel Gonzalez and poet Marisol Ramos, M.A., Tale of Two Taínos honors the residents of the Clark-Fulton neighborhood and celebrates both artists' heritage. Learn more about the space here: https://lnkd.in/ee6Cp2CE

Established by poet and philanthropist Edith Anisfield Wolf, who also founded the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, the Anisfield-Wolf Memorial Award honors outstanding service by a community organization. Presented with a $25,000 grant at the Celebration of Human Services this November, the award reflects our shared commitment to equity, service, and community impact.