CLEVELAND, OH—November 17, 2025 —The Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Cleveland Foundation through the creation of a $500,000 endowed fund. This investment strengthens JLC’s long-term financial sustainability and ensures the organization’s ability to invest in the Greater Cleveland community for generations to come.

The fund will be held and managed by the Cleveland Foundation, the world’s first community foundation with a proven track record of more than a century in nonprofit investment management. By leveraging the Foundation’s large investment pools, JLC will maximize the growth potential of its assets, preserving today’s dollars to meet tomorrow’s needs. The Cleveland Foundation will steward the fund in partnership with JLC’s board of directors to support annual operations.

“With this investment, the Junior League of Cleveland is making a bold commitment to the future of our community,” said Barbara Kakiris, 23-25 President of the Junior League of Cleveland. “It is both a celebration of our history and a promise to the women and families of Cleveland that our impact will endure. Each year, we strive to focus our time, talent, and resources on a single priority issue for greater, long-term results. This year, that priority is Public Health.”

In 2024–2025, JLC raised over $30,000 for its Annual Fund, which supports operations, committee budgets, and community initiatives. JLC also awarded $13,500 in scholarships for local women and launched the Seasonal Essential Kits initiative. The initiative meets community needs year-round, addressing the specific environmental challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness while keeping kits practical, portable, and life-sustaining. JLC also proudly partnered with the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition and hosted an inaugural Black Maternal Health Panel, advancing equity and education in the community.

The Cleveland Foundation will steward the fund in partnership with JLC’s board of directors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the long-term multiplication of resources. Gifts to the Junior League of Cleveland Fund are tax-deductible and will be invested to address the most pressing needs of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.juniorleaguecleveland.org or call the Cleveland Foundation at 216.685.2006.

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CLEVELAND

Founded in 1912, the Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) is a nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more than 100 years, JLC has catalyzed lasting community change, supporting initiatives that strengthen Northeast Ohio. Follow them at @juniorleaguecleveland.