The 2014 Gay Games is being presented by
The Cleveland Foundation. With a $250,000 donation, The Cleveland Foundation became the first presenting sponsor in the Gay Games' 31-year history.
Providing Leadership through Generosity
Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $2.1 billion and 2013 grants of $89 million. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grant-making, and providing leadership on vital issues. The foundation tackles the community’s priority areas – economic transformation, public-school improvement, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, and arts advancement – and responds to the community’s needs.
Making History
The Cleveland Foundation made history last year when it announced that it would serve as the first presenting sponsor in the Games’ 31-year history. The Games “exist to be a vehicle of change,” said Kurt Dahl, co-chair of the Federation of Gay Games. “The Cleveland Foundation is helping make that vision a reality for Greater Cleveland.”
The Games also resonate with the Cleveland Foundation’s long-standing commitment to social justice. “The Cleveland Foundation is honored to support an event important to Cleveland on so many levels,” said Robert E. Eckardt, executive vice president of the Cleveland Foundation. “Beyond its economic impact, it’s an event with a significant social impact for the region. The foundation’s hope is that the Games will leave a legacy of a region more sensitive and welcoming to the LGBT community.”
In addition to the Gay Games, the Cleveland Foundation’s commitment to the LGBTQ community includes support for the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, the Equality Ohio Education Fund, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress' efforts to create welcoming neighborhoods, and the Economic Growth Foundation's partnership with Plexus Chamber of Commerce to build an infrastructure of LGBT businesses and allies.
Celebrating 100 Years of Turning Passion into Purpose
In this celebratory year for the Gay Games, the Cleveland Foundation is also commemorating its 100th birthday by giving monthly gifts to the community. Upcoming “Cleveland Foundation Day” events will be announced on or around the second of each month to invite the entire community to join the celebration. To further highlight a century of generosity and impact, the foundation launched a robust web history and timeline featuring a mix of videos, legacy donor biographies, interactive multimedia and searchable content.
For the latest news and event information, follow the Cleveland Foundation on
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Purpose Pledge by giving online today.