The Lerner Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lerner Foundation is a private foundation in Richmond Heights, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.4 million in 27 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$1.4 million
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$1.0 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.4 million the year before.
44% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.8 million | 24 | $2.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 20 | $907,065 |
| 2025 | $1.4 million | 27 | $1.0 million |
How to apply
The Lerner 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 The Lerner Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 19 | $1.2 million |
| New York | 2 | $150,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $30,000 |
| California | 2 | $26,000 |
| Delaware | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federation of Cleveland | General operations | $500,000 |
| Cleveland Orchestra | General operations | $354,500 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | General operations | $100,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic - Velosano | General operations | $50,000 |
| United Way of Greater Cleveland | General operations | $50,000 |
| World Jewish Congress | General operations | $50,000 |
| Greater Cleveland Food Bank | General operations | $50,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic Children's | General operations | $48,400 |
| Cedars-Sinai | General operations | $25,000 |
| Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage | General operations | $25,000 |
| Cuyahoga Community College Foundation | General operations | $24,500 |
| Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies | General operations | $20,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Pain Management | General operations | $15,000 |
| US Holocaust Memorial Museum | General operations | $10,000 |
| Bikur Cholim | General operations | $10,000 |
| Down Syndrome Achieves | General operations | $10,000 |
| Homes for Life Foundation | General operations | $10,000 |
| Lifeline Pilots | General operations | $8,000 |
| The Temple-Tifereth Israel | General operations | $5,000 |
| Crohn's & Colitis Foundation | General operations | $2,500 |
| Hunting Valley Foundation | General operations | $2,000 |
| Na'amat USA | General operations | $1,000 |
| Wags 4 Kids | General operations | $1,000 |
| Western Reserve Historical Society | General operations | $1,000 |
| Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland | General operations | $900 |
| In Steps With Horses | General operations | $600 |
| Telshe Yeshiva | General operations | $360 |
Officers and trustees
- Norma Lerner
- Randolph Lerner
- Nancy Lerner
- Daniel Pearson
Questions people ask
Does The Lerner Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lerner Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Lerner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Norma Lerner (President/Treasurer), Randolph Lerner (Vice President), Nancy Lerner (Vice President) and Daniel Pearson (Secretary).
What does The Lerner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and health.