The Cleveland Foundation announced (Dec., 17, 2009) $15 million in grants to support a wide range of important issues in Greater Cleveland, including economic development, youth development, education, and neighborhood renewal. Grants awarded include:
Economic development
Team NEO, the primary business attraction organization in the 16-county “Cleveland Plus” region, will receive $1 million to bolster its efforts to bring international companies to the area. Much of the work will focus on emerging industries in Northeast Ohio, including medical devices and advanced energy. Targeted countries include Germany, Spain, and other European Union nations; China; and Canada.
Public education reform
A grant of $750,000 will be available to help the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) implement its transformation plan. Details will be announced in January 2010, but the plan is likely to address such issues as establishing new schools, promoting academic achievement and accountability, and putting the district on sound financial footing. A separate grant of $428,000 to CMSD is designed to strengthen the district’s Academic Office. It will be used for professional development of administrators and principals, design of new schools, and improved instruction and intervention for specific student groups such as English language learners, those with disabilities, and gifted students.
Neighborhood revitalization
Shorebank Enterprise Group Cleveland will receive $550,000 to support its work in Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Shorebank operates the Glenville Enterprise Center, which provides reasonably priced office, workshop, studio, and manufacturing space along with common, no-cost business services such as conference facilities, a mail room, loading docks, and seminars. Shorebank also offers business financing through its Enterprise Finance Funds and the ShoreBridge Capital Fund.
Youth development
Three grants were made to lead partners of MyCom, the youth development initiative that serves Cuyahoga County children from kindergarten through college:
- $450,000 to Starting Point to continue its out-of-school-time activities
- $300,000 to Youth Opportunities Unlimited to offer summer job opportunities for youth
- $270,000 to the Cuyahoga County Family and Children First Council to oversee day-to-day operations and management of MyCom
Social services
The board authorized a $300,000 grant to Emerald Development and Economic Network for renovation of the Community Women’s Shelter in Cleveland. The shelter houses 1,000 homeless women and children each year, but its two buildings are in need of significant upgrading to better serve residents and staff. The planned renovations also will help reduce operating costs.
Health care
Grants of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, were made to Neighborhood Family Practice and Care Alliance to implement electronic health records and improve patient care and organizational efficiency. During the economic downturn, the two health care centers have seen increased demand for their services from new patients, many of whom are recently unemployed.
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