Callahan Announces Spring 2024 Grant Recipients, Its Largest Funding Round to Date
Callahan Announces Spring 2024 Grant Recipients, Its Largest Funding Round to Date
The Callahan Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded more than $1.28 million to 36 Northeast Ohio nonprofits and initiatives in its Spring 2024 grant cycle, nearly tripling last season’s total. Highlights include awarding:
- $500,000 to support the endowed chair at the Cleveland Orchestra
- $250,000 to the Cleveland Institute of Music for the renovation of Kulas Hall
- $150,000 to the United States Naval Academy to sponsor senior capstone projects.
This cycle marks the largest funding round in the foundation’s history. All the organizations exemplify the Callahan Foundation’s mission, demonstrating superior leadership and creating value for those in need through programs in higher education, the arts, and social services.
Spring 2024 grant recipients include:
The Cleveland Orchestra: The Cleveland Orchestra’s mission is to inspire and enrich lives by creating extraordinary musical experiences at the highest level of artistic excellence. The Orchestra reaches over 560,000 people annually with concerts at the Severance and Blossom Music Centers, a residency in South Florida and international touring, PreK-12 education programs, holiday and family concerts, free community concerts, its digital streaming platform, Adella, recordings, and radio broadcasts. Funding will support the Orchestra’s operations and programming during its 107th season as it advances its legacy of superb artistry, outstanding education and community engagement programs, while successfully rebuilding audiences to pre-pandemic levels. The nonprofit was awarded $500,000.
The Cleveland Institute of Music: The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) is a prestigious music conservatory dedicated to providing exceptional education and training to the next generation of musicians. Founded in 1920, CIM offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both performance and academic excellence. The institute nurtures talent through personalized instruction, masterclasses with renowned artists, and numerous performance opportunities. CIM also engages with the community through concerts, outreach programs, and collaborations with local arts organizations. The funding will support the renovation of Kulas Hall. The nonprofit was awarded $250,000.
United States Naval Academy Foundation: The Naval Academy Foundation is dedicated to enhancing, advancing, and championing the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy. Its primary mission is to support the achievement of a “margin of excellence” that allows the Naval Academy to compete with the most prestigious universities in the country for students, faculty, and resources. The Naval Academy Foundation serves the Brigade of Midshipmen, as well as Naval Academy faculty and staff. Funding will support the senior capstone projects of 1st Class Midshipmen. Capstone projects encompass multidisciplinary challenges from engineering to cybersecurity, fostering real-world skills crucial for military officers and future industry leaders. The nonprofit was awarded $150,000.
Intermuseum Conservation Association: The Intermuseum Conservation Association (IMCA) is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of art and cultural heritage. Established in 1952, IMCA provides expert conservation services, education, and advocacy to museums, historical societies, and collectors across the Midwest. The organization’s mission is to ensure the longevity and integrity of valuable artworks and artifacts through meticulous conservation practices. The nonprofit was awarded $25,000.
10K Movement: 10K Movement’s mission is to preserve, present, and cultivate authentic Hip Hop & Street Dance culture in Greater Cleveland and beyond, which they work towards through education, performances, events, and consulting. The funding will support one of its flagship programs, the Summer Street Dance Intensive (SSDI), a 5-week program that provides aspiring dance professionals in five different Street dance forms–Popping, Hip Hop, Breaking, House & Krump–with kinesthetic training, cultural history, movement vocabulary, and individualized instruction, alongside professional development resources and a strength & conditioning course. The 2024 SSDI will culminate in a student performance at the ‘Lords of the Land’ Hip Hop & Street Dance Festival at Severance Music Center. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Baldwin Wallace University: An educational institution dedicated to fostering personal and professional growth through interdisciplinary projects combining the humanities and performing arts. Its current project, “Songs of Correspondence,” is led by faculty members Richard Stout, Nancy Maultsby, and the Poiesis Quartet, celebrating the digital humanities project, the Complete Letters of Willa Cather. Funds will be used for the editing and mastering of the recording, publicity, and preparation for publication. This project highlights Cather’s significance in women’s and gender studies and features diverse voices, aligning with Baldwin Wallace’s mission to support innovative academic endeavors. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.
Beck Center for the Arts: Beck Center for the Arts’ mission is to inspire, enrich, and transform lives through dynamic arts experiences. As a leading resource in Northeast Ohio, Beck Center impacts 60,000 people annually through the arts while providing an inclusive, supportive environment for everyone to feel welcome. The funding will support the Creative Arts Therapies (CAT) program, which offers a unique outlet for individuals with physical and behavioral problems, especially those with developmental disabilities. CAT uses art-based activities—such as music and dance—to help treat those with emotional and mental conditions. As the first community-based program of its kind in Ohio, Beck Center’s CAT program benefits over 1,500 individuals on-site and 30 organizations weekly, providing quality and accessible care to those with developmental disabilities, regardless of age or ability. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.
Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging: Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging supports the aging journeys of adults and those who care for them through the discovery, development and delivery of accessible, centralized programs and services that ensure each person is heard, treated with dignity, and positioned for a better tomorrow. They work independently and in collaboration with trusted partners to offer initiatives around: Home & community Based Services; Housing & Homeownership; Financial Wellness; and Research, Education & Advocacy. Through their programs and services, Benjamin Rose serves over 200,000 older adults and caregivers each year. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland: The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland (BBBS) is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Founded in 1956, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland provided individual mentoring relationships to 160 Cuyahoga County youth aged 5-18 in its 22-23 fiscal year through its One-to-One Youth Mentoring Program. Funds will support the enrollment, matching and supervision of new mentoring matches. With 98 children on their waiting list, their goal is to match at least 50 of them with a Big Brother or Big Sister this year. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Boys Hope Girls Hope: Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) mission is to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career ready men and women for others. Since 1986, BHGS has been delivering programming and services focused on providing the tools and experiences young people from under-resourced communities need to attain academic, college and career success. This funding will support out-of-school-time programming for 6th-12th graders during the 2024-2025 academic year that guides each Scholar in building a post-secondary and career path. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Cleveland Council on World Affairs: The Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA) is dedicated to promoting global engagement through education, citizen diplomacy, and public dialogue. Serving nearly 2,000 educators and students annually from over 50 local schools, CCWA’s global education programs enhance global awareness and competency through initiatives like Model UN, teacher professional development, and experiential learning units. The grant will fund a staff position to develop curriculum, manage Model UN conferences, and engage directly with students and educators, ensuring ongoing program adaptation to meet evolving educational needs. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
The Chagrin History Center: The Chagrin History Center, organized in 1949, discovers, preserves, and shares evidence of and knowledge about the history of Chagrin Falls and vicinity. This mission enables residents, workers, and visitors to appreciate the area’s past, understand its present, and plan for its future. As an active partner in Chagrin Falls’ cultural and educational life, the Center’s exhibits, programs, and community partnerships attract over 3,200 visits annually. This funding will support a new project to build an HVAC-controlled and secured barn to store a 1957 Chevy police car replica, the original 1949 Chagrin Falls fire truck, along with a collection of photos and artifacts from the Chagrin Falls Fire and Police Departments. This new facility will also house a blacksmith shop to display Henry Church’s workbench and blacksmithing tools, telling the story of the Church family and the early days of Chagrin Falls as a mill town. The new barn project, to be completed by August 2024, will provide a permanent space for education and lifelong learning about Chagrin Falls’ rich agricultural and industrial history. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.
CHN Housing Partners: CHN Housing Partners is a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to affordable housing development and stability services. Their mission is to transform lives and communities through affordable, stable housing. CHN has facilitated homeownership for over 3,200 families through their Lease Purchase Program, which has developed 7,000 homes since 1987. They provide comprehensive services including financial counseling, credit building, and homeownership education tailored to low- to moderate-income and minority households. Funding will support the Lease Purchase Program and allow CHN to enhance housing development and long-term engagement initiatives, ensuring sustainable homeownership opportunities for families in Northeast Ohio. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.
City Year Cleveland: Dedicated to fostering academic success among Cleveland’s youth, City Year Cleveland’s mission is to ensure equitable access to education through their Whole School, Whole Child (WSWC) program. Partnering with three Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools, City Year deploys AmeriCorps members to work individually with 500 students, focusing on literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. This funding will enable City Year to continue providing essential educational resources and mentorship to students, empowering them to thrive academically and personally. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Cleveland International Film Festival: The Cleveland International Film Festival’s (CIFF’s) mission is to promote artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community. The funding will support CIFF in the search for a new Executive Director. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.
Cleveland Metroparks Sailing Center: Cleveland Metroparks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting nature, connecting communities, and inspiring conversation of the world. With over 19 million annual recreational visits and properties managed across 49 municipalities in Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks offers extensive recreational facilities and educational opportunities, including trails, beaches, golf courses, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, all accessible year-round without admission fees. Funding will support their latest initiative, the Patrick S. Parker Cleveland Community Sailing Center (“Sailing Center”), which will provide free and low-cost sailing, watersports, and lakefront access to underserved residents from adjacent neighborhoods and throughout Cuyahoga County. The nonprofit was awarded $12,500.
Cleveland Zoological Society: The Cleveland Zoological Society (CZS) is dedicated to connecting people with wildlife and fostering conservation efforts. Since 1882, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, operated by CZS, has been a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s community, renowned for its educational programs, animal care, and global conservation initiatives. With over 1.3 million annual visitors, the funding will help CZS maintain operational excellence, expand educational outreach, and support vital conservation efforts, ensuring a vibrant future for both the zoo and its community engagement programs. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Cleveland School of the Arts: The Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA) is committed to providing high-quality arts education for students in grades 9-12, emphasizing academic achievement through creative expression. Founded to empower students in Cleveland’s arts community, CSA focuses on enhancing student proficiency and school culture while fostering community connections. Funds will support initiatives like curriculum development, community partnerships, and advocacy for arts education, ensuring that CSA continues to nurture artistic talent and provide opportunities for students to thrive beyond graduation. The nonprofit was awarded $7,000.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute: EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute offers a transformative culinary and hospitality education to formerly incarcerated adults, empowering them with skills for successful reintegration into society. Founded on principles of second chances and equality, EDWINS provides comprehensive support including housing, legal services, and job coaching. The grant will support student stipends, educational supplies, and program expansion, enabling EDWINS to continue its mission of fostering leadership and economic independence through culinary arts training. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.
Fairmount Center for the Arts: Fairmount Center for the Arts enriches lives through creative and performing arts education, serving a diverse community in Geauga County and beyond. Established in 1971, Fairmount offers a wide range of programs including visual arts, dance, music, and theater for youth and adults. By fostering creativity and cultural engagement, Fairmount continues to inspire artistic expression and enrich the lives of individuals throughout Northeast Ohio. Funds will be used to develop strategic goals, enhance program quality, and ensure inclusivity across all arts programming. The nonprofit was awarded $2,500.
Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland: The Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland (JFSA) provides vital support to individuals and families in Greater Cleveland, guided by Jewish values of social justice and communal responsibility. JFSA’s Dementia Care Navigation and Caregiver Support program assists older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, offering resources and services to enhance quality of life. Funding will support the expansion of this program, providing essential services such as screenings, caregiver education, and support groups. By addressing gaps in dementia care, JFSA continues to empower older adults to live with dignity and independence, supported by a compassionate community network. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Kent State University: Kent State University (KSU), with a mission to foster transformation through discovery and inclusive learning, serves over 40,000 students Annually. Kent State University’s Office of Student Research fosters transformational learning through its Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, engaging students from diverse academic backgrounds in hands-on research projects. Established in 2016, SURE provides students with valuable research opportunities, enhancing their academic and professional development. The funding will support the expansion of the SURE program, ensuring accessibility for underserved students and fostering community-based research initiatives. Funds will support student scholarships, research project expenses, and program growth, empowering students to become future leaders in their fields through impactful research and scholarly achievements. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.
Lake Erie Ink: Lake Erie Ink’s mission is to provide creative expression opportunities and academic support for youth throughout Greater Cleveland. Serving approximately 3,500 young people annually, Lake Erie Ink offers free and low-cost creative writing and arts workshops that foster authentic connections among peers. These programs, including evening workshops, after-school sessions, and summer camps, empower youth to develop literacy skills, enhance creative expression, and build social-emotional awareness. Through initiatives like the annual Kids’ Comic Con and Teen Writers’ Symposium, Lake Erie Ink nurtures young artists, instilling confidence and collaboration. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Legal Aid: Legal Aid’s mission is to secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change. Serving families in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties with household incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level, Legal Aid provides assistance to those who cannot afford an attorney when facing civil legal challenges impacting their basic needs. Legal Aid’s Access to Education program helps families with low-income address challenges preventing their school-age children from reaching their full academic potential. The program provides free, high-quality legal services that help families maintain stability and students overcome barriers to academic achievement by securing special education accommodations, resolving issues at home, and advocating for safe and supportive school environments. The nonprofit was awarded $20,000.
Merrick House: Merrick House is a thriving neighborhood center whose mission is to encourage, educate, and empower people in Tremont and its surrounding areas. Merrick House has played a crucial role in the community’s success with prenatal and postnatal programs for parents and infants (MomsFirst), education for early childhood center youth and their parents (ECE), and social-emotional development programs for youth aged 6-17. This funding will serve the Merrick House Youth Program and local Cleveland Metropolitan School District Juniors and Seniors, providing college tours and educational opportunities for members of our youth program ages 15-17. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland: The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa) is amid a strategic visioning process in which leadership seeks to identify, communicate, and reinforce its strongest programs and business platforms towards resiliency and sustainability. This funding will support a critical, capacity-building spring 2024 campaign feasibility study with Inbloom, a Cleveland-based fundraising, marketing, and strategy solutions consulting firm. This campaign will help them animate their newly refreshed mission statement, “ART NOW, in progress.” The nonprofit was awarded $25,000.
Motogo: Rooted in a makers-based approach to hands-on learning, Motogo’s mission is to teach kids problem-solving skills through motorcycles. Motogo introduces basic hand-tool skills through motorcycle building, emphasizing STEM-related concepts like metric and standard measurement and combustion comprehension. They partner with schools to integrate their program into curricula, offering assessments to measure student growth in technical skills and resilience. Serving over 400 students in 2023 across Cleveland, they aim to expand to 30 community partnerships in 2024. Funding will support the salary costs of coaches – mission-driven men and women committed to bringing hand-on learning opportunities to young people in Cleveland. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes: The mission of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (NCSL) is to conserve a natural area, connect people with nature, and inspire environmental stewardship. NCSL serves more than 140,000+ visitors of all ages each year who use the trails and grounds and attend free and fee-based nature-centric programming, to learn more about and connect with nature. Funding will support the ASK! Program, which targets preschool to first-grade students and supports teachers with professional development for hands-on science lessons. Funding will enhance field experiences, teacher training, and classroom activities, integrating environmental education into Cleveland schools to inspire future scientists and conservationists. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.
Scranton Road Ministries Community Development Corporation:
Scranton Road Ministries Community Development Corporation’s (SRMCDC) mission is to help revitalize Cleveland, one life at a time; by providing under-resourced Clevelanders with best-practice educational, workforce development and legal services. Funding will support The Youth Jobs Partnership (YJP), which offers career pathways training and mentoring, bridging the gap between local employer needs and youth skills. With a focus on career readiness and personal development, YJP aims to equip 450 young adults annually with the skills needed for sustainable employment and educational success. The nonprofit was awarded $12,500.
The Centers: A cornerstone of Cleveland’s health and social services safety net, The Centers address equity through integrated health, early learning, workforce development, and residential youth programs. Serving over 20,000 individuals annually, they provide holistic care and resources to marginalized communities. The grant will support their mission to promote well-being and prosperity by enhancing service delivery and expanding access to vital health and educational programs. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland: Dedicated to early childhood development through play-based learning, The Children’s Museum of Cleveland (CMC) offers innovative exhibits and educational programs for children aged 0-8. With a diverse audience from Northeast Ohio, including many underserved families, CMC provides accessible learning experiences that promote cognitive, social-emotional, and language skills. The grant will support the purchase of exhibit supplies, ensuring engaging and educational environments for young learners. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.
The City Mission: The City Mission operates Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center in Cleveland, offering essential services to women and children facing homelessness and crisis. Since 1910, The City Mission has provided comprehensive support including basic needs, workforce development, youth programs, childcare, and wraparound services. Laura’s Home conducts thorough assessments upon intake, creates personalized service plans, and offers classes on life skills and coping strategies. With a commitment to restoring dignity and stability, The City Mission aims to help more individuals and families overcome crises and achieve self-sufficiency. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.
Towards Employment: Towards Employment’s (TE) vision is a dynamic world of work where all people – regardless of race, criminal history or where they live – have an opportunity to thrive. TE’s mission is to champion the potential of every person to succeed in a rewarding career today, while working to create an equitable and inclusive workforce for tomorrow. Funding will support WorkAdvance, a proven, rigorously evaluated model that provides an integrated career pathway including career exploration and career readiness training, options for technical training in an in-demand industry, and/or a work experience to gain work exposure; job placement assistance and a year of post-employment coaching to help gain employment footholds and advance over time in careers. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.
University Circle Inc.: University Circle Inc. (UCI) is a nonprofit community service corporation established in 1957 by a group of local philanthropists concerned with the neighborhood’s orderly growth. UCI’s mission is to build a community experience that connects all people with Cleveland’s center of culture, healing, and learning by facilitating the neighborhood’s development and maintenance, advocating for its interests, promoting it through marketing efforts, ensuring its safety and security, and organizing public programming. This funding will support the organization’s headquarters renovation project, which will enhance community access and services, reflecting UCI’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood. The nonprofit was awarded $125,000.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy: Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s mission is to provide essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. Working across a 29-county service area in northeast Ohio, the Land Conservancy has conserved nearly 74,000 acres, including 200 public parks and preserves. This funding will support the Grand Valley Ranch: Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project, which aims to restore the native pollinator habitat to a 20-acre portion of the Grand Valley Ranch preserve by removing invasive species and planting native seeds, benefiting pollinator species and residents of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. Grand Valley Ranch, spanning 1,300 acres, hosts diverse habitats and primarily benefits breeding and migrating waterfowl. The goal is to restore high-quality habitat for grassland birds, promoting biodiversity and public enjoyment. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.
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