$10 million to United Way from the Mandel Foundation
A $10 million gift to establish the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Fund in support of Northeast Ohio’s largest private sector funder of health and human services has been announced by the United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation.
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.
The president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland, Augie Napoli 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.”
This gift marks the largest in the United Way of Greater Cleveland’s history directed to the Cleveland Community Fund, and 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.
The President and CEO of the Mandel Foundation, Dr. Jehuda Reinharz 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.”
“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,” said Paul Dolan, chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Guardians and chair of United Way of Greater Cleveland’s board of directors. “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.”
Morton L. Mandel served as president and chairman of United Way’s board from 1977- 1981.
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.
