The Bruening Foundation invests through two grantmaking approaches: proactive and responsive. The Strong Start proactive grantmaking strategy is by invitation only and focuses on children, ages 0-5, and their families by funding programs that support caregiving and/or address social determinants of health that impact child development. Thriving Families responsive grantmaking strategy complements the proactive strategy and supports families with a focus on: 1) Housing, Health and Skill Building; and 2) Social and Emotional Well-Being.
Eligibility / Geographical Boundaries
The Bruening Foundation awards grants to not-for-profit organizations based in Cuyahoga County. (Rare exceptions may be made, on a case-by-case basis, for organizations headquartered outside the County that fall within our focus areas and serve the residents of Cuyahoga County.)
Preferred Types of Grants
The Bruening Foundation awards grants for the following purposes:
Programs or projects
Capacity building
Advocacy
Capital (on a limited basis – see policy below)
Applicants are discouraged from submitting requests for endowment, general operating expenses, scholarships, research, symposia/seminars or fundraising events. No grants are awarded to individuals, nor does the Foundation respond to mass mailings or annual campaign solicitations.
Best Practices
The Bruening Foundation funds organizations that implement best practices or evidence-based programming. A best practice is a method or technique that has shown results superior to those achieved through other means, and that is used as a benchmark. Evidence-based programs are grounded in research. We encourage applicants to share information about their programs that are either evidence informed or based on best practices.
Capital Requests
The Bruening Foundation, may, on occasion, provide support for capital campaigns and capital renovation projects. Preference will be given to projects that fit the Foundation’s stated responsive grantmaking interests. Given the Foundation’s limited resources, organizations interested in submitting an application for capital support must first submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) to be considered at one of the Distribution Committee’s three scheduled meetings (May, August and December). The LOI should include general information about the capital project and how it aligns with the Foundation’s responsive focus areas. LOIs should be emailed to Katie Brennan at kbrennan@fmscleveland.com by the deadlines of March 1, June 1, and October 1. If the LOI is approved at one of these meetings, a full application may be submitted for the next deadline.
