2020 IMPACT REPORT
Zoom Out.
Zoom In.
Bringing into focus the work and impact of the Fund for Our Economic Future
ear friends and supporters,
Welcome to our 2020 Impact Report, in which we explore the ways we advanced our vision of an inclusive Northeast Ohio economy and responded to the realities of an unprecedented year.
- UNPRECEDENTED
- PIVOT
- TOILET PAPER
- SOURDOUGH
The theme, “Zoom Out, Zoom In,” is an acknowledgment that our mission requires long-term, collaborative work, yet our success often lies in the details.
We hope this report helps bring into greater focus how our big-picture vision translates to real impact for people and how individual initiatives connect to a broader agenda.
The Fund for Our Economic Future is an alliance of funders dedicated to advancing economic growth and equitable access to opportunity for the people of Northeast Ohio by advancing a shared regional agenda, empowering a leadership network, and marshalling strategic funding.
Throughout the report, you’ll have the opportunity to “Zoom in” on the people, the projects and the outcomes that defined 2020. Keep an eye out for different colored text, magnifying glasses and other interactive features as you read through.
Ever onward,
Bethia Burke
President
Fund for Our Economic Future
Mark Samolczyk
Chair, Fund for Our Economic Future
President and CEO, Stark Community Foundation
2020 Board of Directors
We are a collective of individuals representing foundations, higher education institutions, corporations, economic development organizations, government, and civic and community-based organizations that promotes and supports systemic improvements that lead to a stronger, healthier and more inclusive Northeast Ohio economy.
*Denotes Executive Committee member
2019 – 2021 Funding Members
Funders who contribute a minimum of $100,000 over three years to support our full agenda.
Supporting Funders
Supporters who contribute resources to specific initiatives.
Contributors & Donors
Funders who contribute to the full agenda at smaller levels.
Dorn Family Foundation
Hollington Family Fund
Thomas and Shirley Waltermire
PNC Bank
Staff
The day-to-day work of the Fund is supported and advanced by a small, professional staff. The team brings a diverse set of skills, backgrounds and varied interests. The common thread? A commitment to seeing Northeast Ohio’s economy work better for everyone.
Oh, and a penchant for sweets. In pre-pandemic times, no homemade cookie or leftover birthday cake stood a chance in the communal office kitchen. But by far, the team’s biggest weakness is ice cream. Zoom in and find out what the staff’s go-to flavors are.
Director of Job Preparation
Chocolate chip cookie dough
Director of Communications
Mitchell’s key lime pie. And pistachio. And …
Urban and Regional Planner for Mobility Innovations
Salted caramel fudge with warm brownie chunks
Director of Regional Engagement
Bing cherry chocolate chunk
Program Manager for Equity & Economic Development, Cuyahoga County
Butter pecan
President
Mitchell's caramelized chocolate
Director of Finance and Administration
Vanilla
Senior Advisor, Special Projects
Widlberry crumble
Office Manager
Alfalfa
Manager of Operations
Butter pecan
Director of Cleveland Innovation Project Talent Initiative
Moose tracks
