Oct 01, 2016

Fund for Our Economic Future;

The Fund for Our Economic Future knows the promises and pitfalls of collaboration quite well. The Fund was formed in 2004 to address the long-term economic trajectory of Northeast Ohio, a region that has faced great challenges precipitated by the decline of its traditional manufacturing industries. The philanthropic organizations which formed this funder collaborative were concerned with how the struggling economy was fueling rising levels of poverty, income inequality and other negative consequences that if left unaddressed would debilitate the region for generations to come. Nearly a decade later, the Fund can point to important accomplishments through its work to date as well as challenges that remain ahead. Business growth efforts supported by the Fund have created thousands of new jobs and attracted hundreds of millions of dollars to companies in the region. However, the Fund hasn't made as much progress addressing other strategic goals in Northeast Ohio, including talent development, economic inclusion and government efficiency.

Aug 01, 2016

Exponent Philanthropy;

The Ohio Transformation Fund (OTF) wants to change its state's justice system from one of mass jailing, particularly of young people and people of color, to one based on stable families, economic security, and access to health care and education. It began with the vision of a national funder building a model together with local funders and key partner organizations.

Nov 11, 2013

Fund for Our Economic Future;

Northeast Ohio -- home to four major metropolitan areas, more than 4 million people and a $180 billion regional economy -- faced in 2004 what the Cleveland Plain Dealer dubbed a "Quiet Crisis." Employment growth in the region had lagged the rest of the nation for the prior two decades and manufacturing's share of total regional employment had fallen by half. The population was declining and poverty was on the rise, particularly in urban areas.Community and private foundations were waging an uphill battle responding to the increasing needs for social services that were straining the resources of nonprofits in the region. Philanthropic organizations were quickly coming to the realization that the only way to meaningfully address the challenges of poverty and unemployment would be through a more holistic effort to promote regional economic opportunity. In response, a set of philanthropic institutions from across Northeast Ohio launched the Fund for Our Economic Future (the "Fund") in 2004 to promote a regional approach for increasing economic prosperity and opportunity. The original 28 Fund members committed a total of $30 million over three years to begin restoring regional economic competitiveness through pooled grantmaking, research and convening. The Fund's experience produced several lessons about fostering effective collaboration that apply to business, nonprofit and government leaders partnering in any region to address systemic issues. The report provides details in each of these areas.