CLEVELAND — United Way of Greater Cleveland announced on Thursday that it will receive a $10 million grant from the Jack, Joesph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation, the largest single donation in the history of the health and human services non-profit's endowment.
The gift will be directed to its endowment, the Cleveland Community Fund, as a matching grant to find other donors to invest in the organization's urban engagement strategies, United Way said in a statement.
"These initiatives provide immediate, coordinated assistance to help people in need of health, housing and economic mobility services throughout Cuyahoga County neighborhoods and communities," the organization said.
The $10 million gift, in addition to being the largest ever gift to the Cleveland Community Fund, is the second largest overall gift in the local United Way chapter's history.
The Mandel family has a long history of supporting United Way of Greater Cleveland's efforts. Morton L. Mandel, one of the three brothers who co-founded their namesake foundation, was president and chairman of the non-profit's board from 1977-1981.
Since then, the Mandel Foundation and its Mandel Supporting Foundation have funded other United Way efforts throughout the past 30 years, including the building of its Euclid Avenue headquarters and support of the 211 Help Center which connects callers to essential services by phone.
“For decades, Mort Mandel and the Mandel Foundation have shown incredible generosity in supporting United Way of Greater Cleveland’s vital work, making the lives of hundreds of thousands healthier, safer and brighter," said Augie Napoli, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland.
"We are deeply honored and humbled by the Mandel Foundation’s recognition of our efforts through the creation of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Fund, which will ensure United Way continues on its path forward, aiding those who suffer under generational poverty’s thumb today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” said Napoli.
Cleveland Guardians chairman and CEO Paul Dolan, who heads the United Way of Greater Cleveland's board of directors, said the Mandel family's history of generosity toward the United Way has made the organization "an indispensable and progressive leader, convener, partner and voice for all those who live in need across Greater Cleveland."
"We thank the Mandel Foundation, and we know their continued faith in United Way will inspire many individuals and organizations to contribute to our critical work, so that together we can permanently upend poverty’s grip on Cleveland and create a better future for all who live in our city,” said Dolan.