Connor Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,070,744 - $2,133,261
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $500 - $1,036,500
• Geographic Focus: Northeast Ohio primary, also FL, MA, VA, WI

Contact Details

• Website: connorfoundation.org
• Phone: (440) 339-9663
• Email: info@connorfoundation.org
• Mailing Address: 1360 E 9th St Ste 1100, Cleveland, OH 44114

Overview

The Connor Foundation was established in 2016 by Christopher M. Connor, former Chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams Company, and his wife Sara upon his retirement after 17 years leading the company. With total assets of approximately $37 million, the foundation distributes over $2 million annually to nonprofits primarily in Northeast Ohio, though they also fund organizations in Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The foundation's mission is to give back to the communities where the Connor family lives, works, and plays, focusing on four core areas: health and wellness, preservation of nature, education, and the arts. In 2023, the foundation made 93 grants ranging from $500 to over $1 million, with an average grant size of $86,281.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes grants across four priority areas:

• Health and Wellness Grants: $500 - $1,036,500 (helping neighbors in need of healing)
• Preservation of Nature Grants: Variable amounts (protecting natural beauty and peace)
• Education Grants: Variable amounts (nurturing budding talent and leadership in young people)
• Arts Grants: Variable amounts (encouraging artistic expression and passion)

Priority Areas

• Health and Wellness - particularly integrative medicine and reproductive well-being
• Preservation of Nature - conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives
• Education - youth leadership development and corporate work study programs
• The Arts - accessibility initiatives and cultural institutions

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation requires applicants to be tax-exempt organizations or operate under fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. Work must fall within one or more of their four designated program areas.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by the Connor family:

• Christopher M. Connor - President and Founder, former Chairman/CEO of Sherwin-Williams Company (retired 2016 after 17 years)
• Sara H. Connor - Secretary, trained occupational therapist and Reiki master
• Erin C. Reif - Director and Executive Director (compensated at $50,004 annually)
• Kevin M. Connor - Director, also serves on Western Reserve Land Conservancy board
• Daniel J. Connor - Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Connor Foundation accepts grant requests in any format the organization chooses to provide. Applications should be emailed to info@connorfoundation.org and must include the qualified organization's name and purpose of the amount requested. One deadline of October 24, 2025 has been mentioned, though it's unclear if this is an annual deadline or specific to a particular cycle.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly available.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish success rates. In 2023, they made 93 grants, compared to 24 awards in 2023 (different source), 52 awards in 2022, 49 awards in 2021, and 42 awards in 2020.

Reapplication Policy

No information is available about reapplication policies or restrictions.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving history and priorities:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the four focus areas
• Geographic proximity matters - Northeast Ohio organizations appear to have stronger success, though excellent work in focus areas elsewhere is considered
• Long-term relationships valued - The foundation has shown commitment to multi-year, multi-million dollar partnerships with organizations like University Hospitals
• Innovation and accessibility - Projects that increase public access (like free museum admission) or bring innovative approaches (like integrative medicine programs) align with foundation values
• Family interests influential - Sara Connor's background in occupational therapy and Reiki clearly influenced the $11.5 million commitment to UH Connor Whole Health

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation offers remarkable flexibility in application format - use your organization's strongest presentation style
• With grants ranging from $500 to over $1 million, organizations of all sizes can potentially receive support
• The Connor family's personal interests and professional backgrounds directly influence funding decisions
• Major transformational gifts are possible for organizations demonstrating exceptional alignment and impact potential
• Direct contact with Executive Director Erin Reif is encouraged for significant funding requests
• The foundation values both preservation/conservation and innovation/new experiences across their focus areas
• Consider highlighting any connections to Northeast Ohio or the specific communities where the Connor family has ties

References

• Connor Foundation official website (connorfoundation.org) - Accessed March 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Connor Foundation 990-PF filings
• Grantmakers.io - Connor Foundation profile and grant data
• University Hospitals press releases regarding Connor Whole Health gifts (2010, 2022)
• Sherwin-Williams press release on Saint Martin de Porres High School gift (2016)
• GuideStar profile - Connor Foundation
• Instrumentl Foundation Directory - Connor Foundation
• Western Reserve Land Conservancy website - Sporting Circle initiative