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Philanthropy in the Western Reserve

Frederick Goff conceived the idea of a community foundation and established the Cleveland Foundation in 1914.

 

 

Cleveland philanthropy has played an important role in the creation and continuation of institutions in the fields of medicine, social work, education, community development and revitalization and the arts. Today greater Cleveland is the home of hundreds of foundations created by individuals, families, corporations, and, most recently, the sale of nonprofit institutions (conversion funds and foundations.)

Before the Civil War, most philanthropic efforts in Cleveland were organized by religious groups that provided domestic services to persons and communities sharing the organization's beliefs. These efforts promoted moral values and provided health and emergency social services. This religious basis for philanthropy eventually led to both complementary and competing efforts among Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish groups.

In the years immediately after the Civil War, new wealth gave rise to private philanthropy which continued to emphasize the beliefs and services of the religious charities. Educational institutions and community organizations were established and endowed in accordance to the individual wishes of wealthy donors.  
After 1880, Cleveland's philanthropists introduced new forms of organization in charitable giving. These organizations promoted both efficiency of service and civic wellbeing while evincing a comprehensive concern for the entire population of Cleveland regardless of religious affiliation. In the early 20th century, the first sustained campaign in

Campaign headquarters of the first community chest campaign, 1919.

 
the United States to raise funds for multiple charitable organizations regardless of religious sponsorship occurred in Cleveland. The city's Community Chest (now the United Way)was also the first in the United States. The Cleveland Foundation, also created at this time, premiered the concept of the community foundation.  

After 1920, Cleveland philanthropy helped to professionalize and specialize charitable and cultural institutions. Requirements of religious affiliation for receipt of social services or organizational support were reduced or eliminated. Donor organizations began targeting specific communities, geographic areas or social functions for services and programmatic funding. Since World War II, Cleveland philanthropy has supplied or supplemented funding for institutions and projects not covered by governmental programs. This private sector money has allowed both the founding of new organizations and movements and the continuation and stabilization of existing ones.

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