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Community West Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.4M
Decision Time
1mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.1M quarterly ($12.4M+ annually estimated)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: ~4-5 weeks from deadline to committee review
  • Grant Range: Not specified (typical grants for one year only)
  • Geographic Focus: Western Cuyahoga County and Lorain County, Ohio

Contact Details

Overview

Community West Foundation is a health-focused philanthropic foundation with approximately $171 million in total assets, serving the greater western Cleveland area. Guided by their mission rooted in Matthew 25:35-40, the foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to advance health and well-being, particularly focusing on restoring dignity to vulnerable populations. The foundation distributes over $12 million annually through various grant programs, including quarterly Community Impact Fund grants, Cleveland Clinic Hospital grants, and specialized nursing education programs. Under the leadership of President & CEO Martin J. Uhle, the foundation has transitioned to an invitation-only application process while maintaining a strong commitment to addressing basic needs in their community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Impact Fund Grants: $750K quarterly (invitation-only process)
  • Cleveland Clinic Hospital Grants: $2.2M supporting healthcare initiatives
  • Nursing Loan Repayment Program: Supporting nurses at Lutheran Hospital
  • Nursing Scholarship Program: Educational support for nursing students

Priority Areas

The foundation operates on a quarterly focus system:

  • Q1 (January-March): Hunger prevention, refugee and immigrant assistance
  • Q2 (April-June): Housing, homeless services, reentry programs
  • Q3 (July-September): Health programming, disability services, addiction recovery
  • Q4 (October-December): General community services

Additional priorities include:

  • Basic needs programs and services
  • Food pantry support
  • Clothing and essential resources for vulnerable populations
  • Programs that restore dignity to marginalized communities

What They Don't Fund

  • Capital needs or building projects
  • Endowments
  • School programs
  • Individual support or assistance
  • Organizations outside Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Martin J. Uhle VP/CFO: Daniel J. Roth

The foundation operates with a mission statement emphasizing that "Philanthropy is more than a gift – it's an investment. Rooted in compassion and guided by our mission, we partner with nonprofit organizations... to provide life-saving support where it's needed most."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important Note: Community West Foundation has transitioned to an invitation-only application process. Organizations cannot directly apply but must first introduce themselves to be considered for an invitation.

To introduce your organization:

  1. Email grants.portal@cwfc.org with:
    • Brief description of your organization's work
    • Explanation of how your work aligns with serving marginalized populations
    • Connection to the foundation's quarterly focus areas

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations should:

  • Send a compelling introductory email to grants.portal@cwfc.org demonstrating clear alignment with quarterly focus areas
  • Emphasize work with marginalized populations in Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties
  • Highlight programs that address basic needs and restore dignity
  • Time introductions to align with relevant quarterly themes

Decision Timeline

2026 Application Schedule (for invited organizations):

  • Q1: Opens Dec 10, Closes Jan 22, Committee Review Feb 19
  • Q2: Opens March 16, Closes April 23, Committee Review May 28
  • Q3: Opens June 15, Closes July 22, Committee Review Aug 27
  • Q4: Opens Sept 14, Closes Oct 15, Committee Review Nov 19

Decision timeline: Approximately 4-5 weeks from application deadline to committee review

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Grants are typically for one year only. Reapplication policies for unsuccessful or previously funded organizations not specified.

Application Success Factors

Organizations seeking invitation should:

  • Clearly demonstrate service to marginalized populations in Western Cuyahoga or Lorain County
  • Align programs with specific quarterly focus areas when making introductions
  • Emphasize basic needs provision and dignity restoration in program descriptions
  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Focus on health and well-being outcomes connected to the foundation's mission
  • Avoid requesting support for capital needs, endowments, or school programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: Organizations must first introduce themselves via email before receiving application invitations
  • Quarterly themes are critical: Time your introduction to align with the appropriate quarterly focus area
  • Geographic restrictions are strict: Must serve Western Cuyahoga County or Lorain County
  • Health and dignity focus: Frame all programs in context of health outcomes and restoring dignity
  • One-year grants only: Plan for annual reapplication if seeking ongoing support
  • Basic needs emphasis: Foundation prioritizes food, clothing, shelter, and essential services over programmatic expansion
  • Strong financial position: With $171M in assets and consistent growth, the foundation has substantial resources for qualified organizations

References

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