Deaconess Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Deaconess Foundation is a private foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.0 million in 41 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $245,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.0 million
- Number of grants41
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$245,000
- Assets$65.4 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.0 million the year before.
22% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.2 million | 43 | $56.3 million |
| 2024 | $2.0 million | 47 | $59.9 million |
| 2025 | $2.0 million | 41 | $65.4 million |
How to apply
Deaconess Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Deaconess Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 39 | $1.8 million |
| New York | 2 | $120,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Towards Employment | Workforce programs, deb vesy systems change champion award | $245,000 |
| Youth Opportunities Unlimited | Workforce programs | $222,000 |
| Fund for Our Economic Future | Workforce programs | $220,000 |
| Cleveland Center for Arts & Technology (DBA Newbridge) | Healthcare training programs and healthcare sector partnership | $100,000 |
| Legal Aid Society of Cleveland | Workforce programs | $100,000 |
| Open Doors Academy | Workforce programs | $90,000 |
| Greater Cleveland Works | Workforce programs | $80,000 |
| Ohio Guidestone | Operating support for workforce 360 | $80,000 |
| The Centers for Families & Children | Workforce programs | $80,000 |
| College Now Greater Cleveland | Workforce programs | $75,000 |
| Resource Cleveland | Workforce programs | $75,000 |
| The Salvation Army | Workforce programs | $75,000 |
| Local Initiatives Support Corp | Workforce programs | $70,000 |
| Center for Employment Opportunities | Workforce programs | $50,000 |
| Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute | Management fellowship at edwins | $50,000 |
| Magnet | Manufacturing sector partnership | $50,000 |
| Saint Martin de Porres High School | Workforce programs | $45,000 |
| The Spanish American Committee | Workforce programs | $45,000 |
| Beat the Streets Cleveland | Workforce programs | $35,000 |
| The McGregor Foundation | Workforce programs | $31,000 |
| Tri-C Foundation | Workforce programs | $30,000 |
| Collaborate Cleveland | Presidents fund | $20,000 |
| Esperanza Inc | Presidents fund | $10,000 |
| Ohio Excels | Presidents fund | $10,000 |
| The Teaching Cleveland Foundation | Presidents fund | $10,000 |
| Archwood United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $4,500 |
| Church of the Redeemer | 2025 mission outreach | $3,500 |
| Clague Road United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $3,500 |
| Denison Avenue United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $3,500 |
| Dover Congregational United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $3,500 |
| Imani United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $3,500 |
| Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ | Food assistance, purchase daily necessities | $3,500 |
| Mt Zion Congregational Church Ucc | Christian business league | $3,500 |
| Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ | Pilgrim food pantry | $3,500 |
| Ridge Road United Church of Christ | Ministry outreach to assist families | $3,500 |
| Saint Paul's Community Church | Neighbor outreach | $3,500 |
| Strongsville United Church of Christ | Free lunch for all | $3,500 |
| West Park United Church of Christ | West park ucc community cupboard | $3,500 |
| Lyndhurst Community of Faith | Richmond heights school district culinary club | $3,000 |
| Federated United Church of Christ | 2025 mission outreach | $1,600 |
Officers and trustees
- Cathy Belk
- Carrie Clark
- Justin R Horton CFP
- Kenneth Liang
- Tom Littman
- Andrea Lyons
- Ann O'Brien
- Miguel Perez
- Laurie Pogel
- Meltrice Sharp
- Ann Zoller
- James Hardiman
- Shakorie Davis
Questions people ask
Does Deaconess Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Deaconess Foundation give?
$2.0 million in tax year 2025, across 41 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Deaconess Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cathy Belk (President & Ceo), Carrie Clark (Trustee 6/1-12/31 Chair 1/1-5/31), Justin R Horton CFP (Trustee) and Kenneth Liang (Treasurer 6/1-12/31 Trustee 1/1-5/31) among 13 officers and trustees.
What does Deaconess Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly community development, youth programs and education.