News Release
Media contact: Katie Connell, United Way of Greater Cleveland: 404.895.5513 and kconnell@unitedwaycleveland.org
Gift helps further strengthen the future of the 122-year-old nonprofit leader, supporting United Way’s anti-poverty programs and partnerships
CLEVELAND (August 4, 2022) – United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation today announced a $10 million gift to create the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Fund in support of Northeast Ohio’s largest private sector funder of health and human services.
The fund will become part of the organization’s endowment, the Cleveland Community Fund, and is designed as a matching grant to secure additional philanthropic contributions that will invest in United Way’s urban engagement strategies. These initiatives provide immediate, coordinated assistance to help people in need of health, housing and economic mobility services throughout Cuyahoga County neighborhoods and communities.
Augie Napoli, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland, said, “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. 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.”
The gift, which is the largest in the history of United Way of Greater Cleveland directed to the Cleveland Community Fund, will ensure that the organization is able to provide essential services to those most in need across the Greater Cleveland community regardless of the economic climate. It advances the commitment of the Mandel Foundation to support just, inclusive and democratic societies, which they have always been at the forefront of, and serves as a testament to the faith they have in United Way of Greater Cleveland, its strategy and future direction.
Dr. Jehuda Reinharz, President and CEO of the Mandel Foundation, said, “We are pleased to continue the Mandel brothers’ support of United Way through the creation of the Mandel Fund. The United Way is an important asset to our community, and we hope this gift will serve as a catalyst for others to support its critical work.”
Paul Dolan, chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Guardians and chair of United Way of Greater Cleveland’s board of directors, said, “The Mandels’ foresight, leadership, and philanthropic commitment have made United Way of Greater Cleveland 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.”
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United Way, Morton Mandel, and the Mandel Foundation’s Long-standing History
Morton L. Mandel served as president and chairman of United Way’s board from 1977- 1981.
Thanks to the generosity of the Mandel family, United Way of Greater Cleveland’s building at 1331 Euclid Avenue was purchased in 1994. Employees relocated to the office in April 1995. In July 2018, the Mandel Foundation provided funding for the expansion of United Way’s 211 Help Center and renovation of United Way of Greater Cleveland’s headquarters.
The $10 million grant from the Mandel Supporting Foundation marks the largest gift to the Cleveland Community Fund and the second largest gift overall that United Way of Greater Cleveland has received in its 122-year-history.
About the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel established their first foundation in 1953 in their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Their philanthropic legacy is continued through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation. The work of the Foundations is grounded in the belief that exceptional leaders, inspired by powerful ideas, are key to improving society and the lives of people around the world. The Foundations have identified five areas of engagement that receive support, which include: leadership development, management of nonprofits, humanities, Jewish life and urban engagement. For more information, please visit mandelfoundation.org.
About United Way of Greater Cleveland
Founded in 1900, United Way of Greater Cleveland is a local, independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty across the Greater Cleveland area. The largest private-sector investor in health and human services, United Way, invests in efforts that address poverty using a two-pronged approach. The first prong focuses on the daily issues affecting those living in poverty, the Community Hub for Basic Needs. The second drives research and innovation through the Impact Institute, a think tank with an action plan focused on identifying long-term solutions to break the cycle of poverty. For more information, visit unitedwaycleveland.org and twitter.com/UnitedWayCLE.
