The Sears Swetland Family Foundation
Accepts applications
The Sears Swetland Family Foundation is a private foundation in Bratenahl, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $318,000 in 48 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $30,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$318,000
- Number of grants48
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$6.9 million
- New grantees33%
Giving in 2025 was down from $319,000 the year before.
33% 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 | $278,500 | 36 | $6.0 million |
| 2024 | $319,000 | 47 | $6.4 million |
| 2025 | $318,000 | 48 | $6.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | 990APP 13003 Lakeshore Blvd, Bratenahl, OH 44108 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (216) 932-2745 |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Sears Swetland Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 37 | $225,000 |
| Maine | 2 | $40,000 |
| Vermont | 3 | $30,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $7,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central Lincoln YMCA | Child care and education | $30,000 |
| Cwru Swetland Center for Environmental Health | Environmental health | $20,000 |
| Cleveland Institute of Art | Arts education | $15,000 |
| Birthing Beautiful Communities | Social support | $10,000 |
| Cleveland Museum of Art | Historic park preservation | $10,000 |
| Cleveland Neighborhood Progress | Community building | $10,000 |
| Nature Conservancy of Vermont | Conservation | $10,000 |
| Smokey House Center | Environmental research | $10,000 |
| Vermont Public Interest Research Group | Research and education | $10,000 |
| Western Reserve Land Conservancy | Conservation/parks | $10,000 |
| Ohio Environmental Council | Environmental protection | $10,000 |
| Westside Market | Community food access | $10,000 |
| Alliance for the Great Lakes | Environmental | $5,000 |
| American Rivers Inc | Environmental | $5,000 |
| Building Hope in the City | Urban agriculture | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Metroparks | Outdoor education | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Museum of Natural History | Human health and education | $5,000 |
| College Now Greater Cleveland | Education | $5,000 |
| Downtown Cleveland Alliance | Advocates to promote downtown living | $5,000 |
| Footpath Foundation | Outdoor education | $5,000 |
| Global Cleveland | Community outreach | $5,000 |
| Greater Cleveland Food Bank | Social services food access | $5,000 |
| Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity | Charitable home building | $5,000 |
| Hathaway Brown School | Education | $5,000 |
| Hunger Network | Social services food access | $5,000 |
| Ideastream Public Media | Environmental reporting | $5,000 |
| Lake Erie Nature and Science Center | Nature education | $5,000 |
| Nature Center of Shaker Lakes | Environmental education | $5,000 |
| Rainey Institute | Arts education | $5,000 |
| Rid All Green Partnership | Urban agriculture | $5,000 |
| Spice Field Kitchen | Agricultural campership program | $5,000 |
| University Circle Inc | Place making public spaces | $5,000 |
| Environmental Law and Policy Center - Ohio Programs | Environmental protection | $5,000 |
| Action for the Climate Emergency | Climate education | $5,000 |
| Greater Ohio Policy Center | Environmental | $5,000 |
| Great Lakes Science Center | Stem education | $5,000 |
| Brookdale Orchard | Community building | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio | Youth education | $5,000 |
| Preterm | Reproductive health | $5,000 |
| Trust for Public Land | Park restoration | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ruth Swetland Eppig
- Lydia Harrington
- David S Swetland
- Marianne Eppig
- David T Eppig
Questions people ask
Does The Sears Swetland Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Sears Swetland Family Foundation give?
$318,000 in tax year 2025, across 48 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Sears Swetland Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ruth Swetland Eppig (President/Trustee), Lydia Harrington (Trustee), David S Swetland (Trustee) and Marianne Eppig (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Sears Swetland Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and human services.