The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland is restarting its philanthropic operations following a strategic pause in operations that began at the end of 2024 due to leadership transitions at the foundation and the Sisters of Charity Health System. After reflection and strategic planning, the foundation’s longstanding mission is resuming with a focus on addressing the social drivers of health by supporting the needs of people and families primarily in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood.
The pause allowed the organizations to re-envision how best to serve the community during a time of significant change. That vision was realized through the St. Vincent Charity Health & Healing Hub, a new neighborhood initiative established to advance health, well-being and opportunity in the Central neighborhood. Planning is underway and priorities were identified, so the foundation is returning to its role as a funder focused on addressing the root causes that impact overall health, including access to health care, education, social services, economic stability and family engagement. This is happening by supporting initiatives and ministries led by the Sisters of Charity Health System along with supporting efforts by area nonprofits that provide programs and services that benefit the neighborhood.
“Today marks a meaningful and hopeful moment for our organization and for the neighbors we walk alongside,” said Michael Goar, president and CEO, Sisters of Charity Health System and president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. “The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland has spent nearly 30 years helping to strengthen our community and expand opportunity for those who need it most. Its renewed focus on Cleveland’s Central neighborhood – combined with the promise of the development of the St. Vincent Charity Health & Healing Hub – positions us to make deeper, more lasting impact together.”
Since 1996, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland has invested more than $75 million supporting 750 grantees, leveraging more than $150 million in additional community investment to advance systemic change and uplift the dignity of every person. With grantmaking resuming, the foundation will continue this legacy by funding organizations whose work is aligned with its mission and who serve Central’s nearly 12,000 residents, many of whom face generational challenges such as poverty, trauma and limited access to essential services.
“As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of St. Augustine coming from Boulogne su Mer, France to Cleveland, so much has changed. But what has remained a constant over all of these years is that when our Catholic mission calls us to respond to the needs of the poor and underserved, we do it. And we do it with compassion, courage and justice,” said Sister Judith Ann Karam, CSA congregational leader. “Restarting the foundation’s work allows us to carry forward our sisters’ commitment to Cleveland’s Central neighborhood – a community that has always held deep significance to the sisters. We enter this next chapter with gratitude, clarity and a renewed dedication to uplifting the life and dignity of every person.”
The foundation is accepting letters of inquiry on a rolling basis through its online grantmaking portal. Eligible nonprofit organizations with an interest and capacity to serve the Central neighborhood can submit a letter of inquiry for consideration. If the request aligns with the foundation’s mission and guidelines, applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Areas of priority include programs and services related to health and access to care (including addiction medicine and behavioral health), education, food security, family engagement and stability, economic mobility and addressing systemic barriers contributing to poverty and health disparities.
Click here for more information about eligibility, grant cycles, quarterly deadlines and submission requirements.
Read more about the CSA’s 175th anniversary here.