Community West Foundation grants nearly $1 million to support regional nonprofits

Community West Foundation Distributes Nearly $1 Million in Grants to Support Regional Nonprofits

The Homeless Jesus sculpture is a lasting memorial to the Community West Foundation’s purpose of helping those who need aid.Linda Gandee

WESTLAKE, Ohio -- In a substantial commitment to community support, the Community West Foundation Board of Directors has allocated $967,434 in grants during the first quarter of 2024.

“These funds are aimed at bolstering nonprofit organizations across Cleveland, western Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, with a specific focus on initiatives related to hunger relief and assistance for refugees and immigrants,” said Director and CEO Martin Uhle.

“Of the total grants, $785,334 was distributed directly to various nonprofit agencies.

“An additional $182,100 came from the Community Impact Fund, designed to engage donors who are eager to support the foundation’s mission and ensure that their contributions directly assist quarterly grantees.”

The diverse array of organizations benefiting from these grants includes:

· Americans Making Immigrants Safe, in Cuyahoga County, which aids immigrants and their families with resources such as legal services, education and basic living needs.

· Building Hope in the City, operating two significant initiatives: the Hope Center, a hub for refugee and immigrant services including employment support and family mentorship; and Hope Commons Phase II, focusing on constructing low-income housing.

· Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, a key player in refugee resettlement and legal services for immigrants.

· Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Community Resource Center, which serves as a comprehensive resource for healthy food access and a host of social services under one roof.

· Hunger Network, recognized as the largest provider of emergency food in Cuyahoga County.

· The Littlest Heroes, offering financial and emotional support to families of children who have cancer.

· Trials for Hope, distributing essentials to individuals facing food and financial hardships.

· West Shore Meals on Wheels, delivering hot meals to homebound seniors.

In Lorain County, notable recipients include:

· Beyond the Walls Church, providing critical food distribution services in Elyria.

· Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, which offers after-school meal and enrichment programs for at-risk youth.

· El Centro de Servicios Sociales, focused on delivering essential social, educational and community development services.

· Oberlin Weekday Community Meals at Christ Episcopal Church, which offers evening meals and community engagement for low-income families.

· Solidarity Urban Farms, which supports local food banks with fresh produce.

“These grants are a testament to the Community West Foundation’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical needs within the community, ranging from hunger prevention to supporting the integration and well-being of refugees and immigrants,” Uhle said.

For more details on the foundation’s activities or to learn how to contribute, contact Community West Foundation directly or visit their website, Community West Foundation.

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