Provides programmatic grants to organizations engaged in workforce development activities that fill gaps in the Cuyahoga County ecosystem and support workforce systems change or related workforce-focused activities.

Must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and provide EIN | Be a publicly supported charity | Must serve/operate in Cuyahoga County

Deaconess Foundation Programmatic Grants

Resident-led grants awarded by the Resident Advancement Committee for neighborhood projects (gardens, pocket parks, mentoring, etc.); neighbors and small nonprofits within Saint Luke’s footprint can receive up to $6,000.

Applicant must be a resident of Buckeye–Shaker, Mt. Pleasant, or Woodland Hills | If applicant is not a 501(c)(3), must collaborate with a fiscal sponsor (501(c)(3)) | Available March–September annually

Community Grants

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers; includes a $25M RFP to support nonprofits expanding access to skilled trades training and career pathways.

Nonprofit and workforce development training providers (organizations) are the intended recipients | Proposals must expand access to skilled trades training and career pathways

Future Builders

Grants to honor AJ Blain's legacy, reflecting a family foundation focus on leadership growth and development, aviation, and education; requests are reviewed bi‑annually.

AJ Blain Foundation Grants

We value community. Our mission is to connect with our communities to support young minds, invest in our current and future workforce, create vibrant culture and vital communities, improve health and human services and protect our natural resources.

Must be a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit | Must provide organization's tax exempt status letter under Section 501(c)(3)

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grants

A prize recognizing Cuyahoga County non-profit organizations or collaborations demonstrating systems change and/or scalable innovation in the local workforce development ecosystem; award is $50,000 with no restrictions or deliverables.

Only non-profit organizations may be formally nominated | Nominations submitted via the grants dashboard by the stated deadline

Deborah Vesy Systems Change Champion Award

A participatory grantmaking initiative led by Native Americans in Philanthropy that supports Indigenous youth leadership and community-defined solutions; in 2026 the fund will invest $1.65M to expand support for Native-led solutions.

Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)(3) organizations | Tribal Nations across the U.S. and its territories

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

Open awards for charitable organizations that demonstrate how their beneficiary communities will be impacted by Zendesk software and grant funds, aligned to the Foundation's focus areas.

Must submit proof of nonprofit status with your application (attachment) | Current Zendesk customers are not eligible for the impact awards | Current and past Zendesk grantees are not eligible for the impact awards | Only applications submitted through the application form will be considered; emailed applications not accepted | Applications must be submitted in English | Organizations based in Belarus, Central African Republic, Crimea Region of Ukraine, Congo, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe are ineligible

Deaconess Foundation Programmatic Grants

About this program

Eligibility

Geographic eligibility

Contact & website

Cathy Belk

[email protected]

PH: 216-407-0408

deaconessfdn.org

Past recipients

2024

Youth Opportunities Unlimited

$230,000

Towards Employment

$195,000

College Now Greater Cleveland

$130,000

The Centers For Families & Children

$115,000

Cleveland Center For Arts & Technology (Dba Newbridge)

$115,000

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress

$100,000

Legal Aid Society Of Cleveland

$100,000

Local Initiatives Support Corp

$90,000

Open Doors Academy

$90,000

Rolling

~$20K (255 grants)

Ohio

Similar Grants

Community Grants

Up to $6.0K

Future Builders

~$250K

AJ Blain Foundation Grants

~$6K

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grants

~$5K

Deborah Vesy Systems Change Champion Award

~$50.0K

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

$25.0K–$100.0K