The George Gund Foundation

10/04/2010 in Grantmaking

George Gund Foundation Announces Summer 2010 Grants

CLEVELAND OH — The George Gund Foundation gave a boost to the Museum of Contemporary Art -Cleveland’s plans for a new building in University Circle with an additional $500,000 grant and a $2 million loan.

“This is an important building which will serve as a dynamic gateway to the new residential/retail Uptown District and a catalyst for additional development in University Circle,” said David Abbott, Foundation executive director. “The Foundation was an early supporter of MOCA’s plans for a new home with a $2.1 million grant, and this additional support will help ensure that groundbreaking takes place this year.”

The Foundation provided also support at its summer board meeting for a new charter school management organization, creation of an urban land trust and continued reform of Ohio’s juvenile justice system.

Breakthrough Charter Schools, a collaboration of three high-performing Cleveland charter school operators, received $150,000 to create a single “back office” for the Citizens’ Academy, Intergenerational School and Zealous Schools, operator of E Prep and Village Prep, and explore opening of additional charter schools.

A three-year $325,000 grant will help the West Creek Preservation Committee expand the geographic scope of its work to include preserving green space and ecological habitats in all of Cleveland.

Organizations receiving grants to help with their work on various aspects of juvenile justice reform include Voices for Ohio’s Children (up to $125,000), Northern Kentucky Children’s Law Center ($100,000), Public Children Services Association of Ohio ($80,000 over two years) and Kent State University’s Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence and Center for Innovative Practice ($75,000).

These grants were among 104 totaling $6,193,809 approved at the Foundation’s second meeting of 2010.
Other grants of interest include:

  • $100,000 over two years to Midtown Cleveland for its work in developing the Health and Technology Corridor
  • $50,000 to the Cleveland Music School Settlement to conduct a search for a new director of early childhood programs
  • $55,000 to Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio and $30,000 to Community Catalyst to help with planning for implementation of health care reform in Ohio
  • $200,000 to the Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland for program support
  • $150,000 to the Greater Ohio Policy Center for operating support
  • $150,000 over two years to Environmental Health Watch for operating support
  • $125,000 to Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio for arts integrated programs in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

The George Gund Foundation was established in 1952 by George Gund, former chairman of the Cleveland Trust Company. The Foundation funds programs that enhance our understanding of the physical and social environment in which we live and increase our ability to cope with its changing requirements. Grants are made quarterly in the areas of education, human services, economic and community development, environment and arts. Foundation commitments to date have totaled more than $554 million.

For further information contact: 
Deena M. Epstein (216) 241.3114