Freeman Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Freeman Foundation is a private foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $465,000 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $40,000. 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$465,000
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$9.8 million
- New grantees17%
Giving in 2025 was up from $450,000 the year before.
17% 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 | $400,000 | 25 | $8.1 million |
| 2024 | $450,000 | 31 | $8.8 million |
| 2025 | $465,000 | 30 | $9.8 million |
How to apply
Freeman 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.
What Freeman Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 26 | $425,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rock It Out | General support | $40,000 |
| Cleveland Metroparks | General support | $25,000 |
| Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | General support | $25,000 |
| Ideastream | General support | $25,000 |
| Edwins Foundation | General support | $20,000 |
| Legal Aid of Cleveland | General support | $20,000 |
| Newbridge Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology | General support | $20,000 |
| The Music Settlement | General support | $20,000 |
| Animal Protection League | General support | $15,000 |
| CCF LGPTQ Care | General support | $15,000 |
| Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) | General support | $15,000 |
| First Tee | General support | $15,000 |
| First Year Cleveland | General support | $15,000 |
| Journey Center | General support | $15,000 |
| Magnolia Clubhouse | General support | $15,000 |
| Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op (Ocbc) | General support | $15,000 |
| Pals for Healing | General support | $15,000 |
| Seeds of Literacy | General support | $15,000 |
| The Gathering Place | General support | $15,000 |
| Carolina Poodle | General support | $10,000 |
| Cleveland Public Theatre | General support | $10,000 |
| Marilyn's Voice | General support | $10,000 |
| The Marshal Project | General support | $10,000 |
| Towards Employement | General support | $10,000 |
| University of Michigan Scholarship | General support | $10,000 |
| Youth Opportunities Unlimited (You) | General support | $10,000 |
| Fire Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Canines Helping Independent People | General support | $10,000 |
| Mary Dugan Center Supporting Organization | General support | $10,000 |
| Rise Up Northeast Ohio | General support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Richard Freeman
- Ellen Kraatz
- Aino Wheeler
- Rita Bigham
- Taff Kraatz
Questions people ask
Does Freeman Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Freeman Foundation give?
$465,000 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Freeman Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Richard Freeman (Vice-President), Ellen Kraatz (President), Aino Wheeler (Trustee) and Rita Bigham (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Freeman Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals, arts and culture and education.