Callahan Foundation Announces Fall 2025 Funding Awards, Capping a Record $3.4 Million in Grants Awarded in 2025

CLEVELAND, OH — January,  17, 2025 — The Callahan Foundation is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 funding round, supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives that serve Northeast Ohio communities across social services, education, health, and the arts. The Fall funding round totals $792,500 and contributes to a record $3.4 million awarded in grants in 2025, marking the largest annual distribution in the Foundation’s history.

Highlights for this round include:

• A $50,000 grant to ideastream to help offset reduced federal support for public broadcasting
• A $30,000 grant to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to support hunger relief efforts

Fall 2025 grant recipients include:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio enables all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The organization provides safe, structured environments for youth ages 6–18 through academic enrichment, meals, physical activity, STEM and arts programming, and college and career preparation. Funding will support general operating expenses to help sustain programming across more than 30 Clubs serving seven counties. The nonprofit was awarded $20,000.

Case Western Reserve University: Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine provides medical and public health education while advancing research and improving community health. Its Master of Public Health program emphasizes health equity, social determinants of health, and partnerships with local health departments. Funding will support  the Scott Frank, MD, MS Scholarship Fund to expand access to graduate public health training. The nonprofit was awarded $50,000, expanding Callahan’s support.

Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County: Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County (CFACC) works to make a difference for every child served through advocacy, education, and collaborative alliances, focusing on children and youth in the foster care system. The agency’s core program, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), is a critical voice for kids placed in foster care. CASA conducts investigations and provides informed recommendations to the Juvenile Court regarding placement, services, and permanency. Funding will support the recruitment, training, and support of CASA volunteers serving children in county custody. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Cleveland School of the Arts Board of Trustees: The Cleveland School of the Arts is an arts specialty high school within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, providing a rigorous dual curriculum in academics and visual and performing arts. The Board of Trustees supports fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships that strengthen the school’s arts education model. Funding will provide general operating support to advance the Trustees’ work on behalf of the school community. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Cleveland Sight Center: Cleveland Sight Center provides individualized support and tools to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate the visual world. Vision Rehabilitation Services assist adults adjusting to vision loss through training in daily living skills, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology. Funding will support adult Vision Rehabilitation Services that help individuals maintain independence and safety. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

Cleveland State University: Cleveland State University is Cleveland’s public urban research university, serving a diverse student population through innovative education and community engagement. The Washkewicz College of Engineering prepares students through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. Funding will support development of the Kramerich E-Makerspace, an electrical engineering-focused lab enabling students to design, prototype, and test electronic systems. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Cleveland Zoological Society: The Cleveland Zoological Society supports education, conservation, and operations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a major cultural and educational asset serving more than one million visitors annually. The organization manages membership, fundraising, and programmatic support for the Zoo. Funding will provide general operating support to sustain Zoo Society operations and educational experiences. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

College Now Greater Cleveland: College Now Greater Cleveland increases postsecondary educational attainment through college and career advising, financial aid counseling, scholarships, and retention services. Serving tens of thousands of students and adult learners annually, the organization focuses on reducing barriers for first-generation and low-income individuals. Funding will provide general operating support to sustain organizational leadership and program continuity. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Cuyahoga County Public Library: Cuyahoga County Public Library empowers individuals and communities by providing opportunities to read, learn, create, and connect. Student Success Programs deliver literacy instruction, homework help, and academic enrichment for K–8 students across multiple branch locations. Funding will support the continuation of Student Success Programs serving children in need of additional academic support. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Dress for Success Cleveland: Dress for Success Cleveland helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence through career readiness, workforce development, and professional development services. Programming is delivered both onsite and through mobile community-based outreach. Funding will support general operating expenses tied to workforce development programming. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

Esperanza Inc.: Esperanza empowers Hispanic and Latinx youth and families through culturally responsive education, leadership development, and academic support. Youth programming focuses on academic achievement, graduation, and career readiness for CMSD students. Funding will support the Esperanza Youth Leadership Program. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.

FrontLine Service: FrontLine Service serves as Cuyahoga County’s primary safety-net organization for individuals experiencing homelessness, acute trauma, or behavioral health crises. The Safe Havens program provides long-term supportive housing for adults with severe mental illness and a history of chronic homelessness. Funding will support Safe Havens programming and resident services. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

Global Cleveland: Global Cleveland is an economic development organization that grows Northeast Ohio’s economy by welcoming and connecting international professionals to opportunity. The Newcomer Professional Pathways program supports career development and workforce integration for international job seekers. Funding will support expansion of the Newcomer Professional Pathways program. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Greater Cleveland Food Bank: The Greater Cleveland Food Bank provides emergency food assistance and nutrition programs for individuals and families facing food insecurity across six counties. The organization distributes millions of pounds of food annually through a network of community partners. Funding will provide general operating support to sustain hunger relief efforts amid reductions in public funding. The nonprofit was awarded $30,000.

Great Lakes Science Center: Great Lakes Science Center makes science, technology, engineering, and math come alive through hands-on learning experiences. Cleveland Creates programming delivers STEM education aligned with Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s (CMSD) curriculum for middle school students. Funding will support comprehensive STEM educational programming for CMSD 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.

Holden Forests & Gardens: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants through education and conservation. Green Corps is a paid internship program for Cleveland-area high school students focused on environmental education and career exploration. Funding will support staffing, transportation, and stipends for Green Corps interns. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.

Ideastream Public Media: Ideastream serves Northeast Ohio as a trusted multimedia source for news, arts, culture, and educational programming across television, radio, and digital platforms. The organization provides free, non-commercial programming to millions of residents. Funding will support general operations to help offset reduced federal support for public broadcasting. The nonprofit was awarded $50,000.

Karamu House: Karamu House produces professional theatre and provides culturally responsive arts education while honoring the Black experience. Its Arts Academy delivers year-round arts instruction for youth and adults in underserved communities. Funding will support Arts Academy programming and general operating needs. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Lake Erie Ink: Lake Erie Ink provides a creative writing space for youth through after-school programs, workshops, in-school residencies, and special events. The organization serves thousands of young people annually across Greater Cleveland. Funding will support general programming and creative writing instruction. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.

LAND studio: LAND studio creates places and connects people through public art, sustainable design, and collaborative planning in Cleveland neighborhoods. The organization is navigating a leadership transition following the departure of its longtime executive director. Funding will support consultant services providing organizational stability during the executive director search. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

LifeAct: LifeAct provides evidence-based suicide prevention and stress management education in schools across Northeast Ohio. Programs teach youth to recognize warning signs, build resilience, and seek help. Funding will underwrite school-based suicide prevention programming during the 2025–2026 school year. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

Magnolia Clubhouse: Magnolia Clubhouse supports individuals living with serious mental illness through a community-based rehabilitation model focused on work, relationships, and recovery. The organization is expanding its University Circle facility to increase service capacity by as much as 50%. Funding will support capital improvements connecting two buildings and expanding program space. The nonprofit was awarded $75,000.

Malachi House: Malachi House provides medically supportive housing and end-of-life care for individuals who are poor and terminally ill. Residents receive housing, medical support, and compassionate care at no cost. Funding will underwrite hospice-related services and operational costs for residents in their final months of life. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.

May Dugan Center: The May Dugan Center provides free, comprehensive health and human services addressing poverty, trauma, and instability. Core programs include education, food distribution, behavioral health services, and senior support. Funding will support general operating expenses across the organization’s core programs. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

MetroHealth Foundation: MetroHealth is Cuyahoga County’s public safety-net hospital system, providing critical emergency and trauma care. The Main Campus Emergency Department requires renovation to meet increasing patient volume and care complexity. Funding will support renovations to the Emergency Department. The nonprofit was awarded $15,000.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes: The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes preserves an urban green space while providing environmental education to thousands of students annually. The Applied Science for Kids (ASK!) program delivers outdoor, standards-aligned science education for CMSD students. Funding will support delivery of the ASK! program during the academic year. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Passages Connecting Fathers & Sons: Passages empowers families by supporting fathers through parenting education, workforce development, and holistic case management. The Family Resiliency Program serves low-income, high-risk fathers across Northeast Ohio. Funding will support Family Resiliency programming and participant services. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.

Seeds of Literacy: Seeds of Literacy provides free, individualized adult education for learners living below the federal poverty level. Services include one-to-one tutoring, GED preparation, and workforce transitions support. Funding will support educational materials, supplies, and GED-related expenses. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

Stella Maris: Stella Maris provides addiction treatment, detoxification, and recovery housing services for individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. Reliable infrastructure is critical to maintaining client safety. Funding will support the purchase and installation of a backup generator for essential facilities. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

The Centers: The Centers delivers integrated healthcare and social services for uninsured and underinsured individuals through clinics, early learning programs, workforce development, and youth services. Programs emphasize a holistic, person-centered approach. Funding will support general operating costs across core service areas. The nonprofit was awarded $7,500.

United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation: The Naval Academy Foundation supports the education and leadership development of future Navy and Marine Corps officers. Capstone Day projects provide hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences for senior midshipmen. Funding will support materials, technology, and project execution for senior Capstone projects. The nonprofit was awarded $200,000.

University Circle Inc.: University Circle Inc. supports one of the nation’s leading cultural and educational districts, serving millions of visitors annually. The organization is modernizing its internal financial systems. Funding will support purchase and implementation of a new financial accounting system. The nonprofit was awarded $100,000.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited: Youth Opportunities Unlimited prepares teens and young adults for workforce success through school-based and work experience programs. Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates supports students at risk of not graduating. Funding will support JOG programming during the 2025–2026 school year. The nonprofit was awarded $5,000.

YMCA of Greater Cleveland: The YMCA of Greater Cleveland provides health, housing, and recovery services across the region. Y-Haven is a residential facility serving individuals recovering from substance use disorder. Funding will support completion of an art project enhancing the residential environment at Y-Haven. The nonprofit was awarded $10,000.

YWCA Greater Cleveland: The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Greater Cleveland provides housing, early learning, and supportive services for women, young adults, and families experiencing homelessness. Programs include emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and early childhood education. Funding will support supportive housing and general operating needs across core programs. The nonprofit was awarded $25,000.

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