United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland

Education funding for programs/projects should emphasize early childhood development programs,middle school and high school program, college preparation/academic mentor programs. Programsshould reflect a strong commitment to education and access for low income and under-served populations. Educational programs should enrich particiapnts lives by including activities thatlead to a change in knowledge, skill or level of appreciation rather than one-time events such as attending a show or visiting a cultural institution. Arts education should provide programming that provides participants with the expertise that furthers their training and enhances their education and self-development.

Basic needs funding for programs/projects that provide assistance to those who have some emergency need(s) growing out of a crisis situation. Programming should be focused on restoring the person/family to an acceptable level of functioning by assisting with food, shelter,clothing, personal items, health needs, or transportation. Funding is not limited to those itemslisted, they are provided as a guide.

Workforce development funding for programs/projects that assist individuals to return or enter the workforce. Special emphasis is given to programs that serve those who have little or no connection to the job market, including those who have been previously incarcerated. Job readiness training, record expungement, transportation, and skill specific training/placement, including soft skill development, are amoung the services that will be considered for support.