Strengthening the Organizations That Strengthen Our Communities
For 45 years, United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland has invested in Black-led and community-serving organizations working to create opportunity, address inequity, and strengthen Greater Cleveland.
Through community investment, capacity building, fiscal sponsorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, we help nonprofits access the resources and support they need to grow stronger and create lasting impact.
Our Evolution
Together for Impact
Our legacy began by helping local and grassroots organizations access the financial resources they needed to serve their communities.
Today, that commitment has grown into something bigger.
UBF combines community investment with practical capacity-building support to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their operations, leadership, financial readiness, and long-term sustainability.
We do not just fund the work. We strengthen the organizations doing it.
What Guides Our Work
- Community:We invest in the strength, opportunity, and future of Greater Cleveland’s Black communities.
- Leadership:We equip and support leaders working to create meaningful community change.
- Accountability:We lead with integrity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
- Access:We work to reduce barriers and connect organizations to funding, resources, knowledge, and opportunity.
- Collaboration:We build trusted partnerships that value community voice and recognize that greater impact happens together.
Embracing Our History
Our Legacy
Since 1981, UBF has stood alongside Black-led and community-serving organizations across Greater Cleveland, investing in the people and institutions closest to the challenges and opportunities in our neighborhoods.
For 45 years, we have helped move resources where they matter, supported leaders with bold ideas, and strengthened organizations working every day to create lasting change.
Our legacy is measured not only in dollars invested, but in organizations strengthened, leaders equipped, partnerships built, and communities served.
Explore Our StoryCommunity Voices
Voices of Change
"Being accepted into the CDTO cohort was truly an honor. As the only male participant, I valued learning alongside brilliant women leaders who challenged my thinking and expanded my perspective. Under the guidance of Venica Hearst and Celest Terry, the cohort offered practical tools, meaningful connections, and a welcoming environment that strengthened my leadership and commitment to community impact."
"The CDTO was a transformative experience. The UBF staff, cohort participants, and subject matter experts created a strong environment for learning, reflection, and unexpected “aha” moments. I gained valuable tools, learned about the work of other community leaders, and began thinking differently about future opportunities for collaboration, funding, and building meaningful solutions."
"As a result of the community legal education and outreach efforts supported in part by UBF, Cleveland residents had more opportunities to learn about the rights and find solutions to civil legal challenges threatening their basic needs."
"Through our UBF-funded myDOT initiative, we are able to meet immediate and future needs, reduce period poverty, and increase body positivity for hundreds of menstruating individuals each year."
What We Do
Elevating the Community
Building What Comes Next
The Legacy Ahead
The next chapter of UBF is not simply about continuing what has always worked. It is about building the stronger nonprofit ecosystem Greater Cleveland needs for what comes next.
We are creating more ways for community organizations to access capital, strengthen their infrastructure, connect with expertise and partners, and build for long-term sustainability.
Direct resources into Black-led and community-serving organizations addressing real needs and creating opportunity across Greater Cleveland.
Help nonprofit leaders build the operations, financial readiness, leadership, and systems required to sustain and grow their organizations.
Bring together nonprofits, funders, corporate partners, civic leaders, and community expertise to expand access, opportunity, and impact.
Join the Work
Stronger Organizations Build Stronger Communities.
And stronger communities create possibilities that last.
Your support helps UBF invest in the nonprofit organizations, leaders, and partnerships working every day to move Greater Cleveland forward.
Whether you give, volunteer, partner, or help connect others to the work, there is a place for you in what comes next.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered a few common questions about working with, participating in, and supporting UBF. Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out to our team and we'll point you in the right direction.
Get in Touch
info@unitedblackfund.orgUBF invests in and strengthens Black-led and community-serving organizations across Greater Cleveland. Our work includes community investment and grantmaking, nonprofit capacity building, fiscal sponsorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships designed to help organizations grow stronger and create lasting impact.
UBF offers community investment and grant opportunities at different times throughout the year. Eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines vary by opportunity. Current opportunities and instructions are shared through our website and official UBF communications.
Explore Community Investment Opportunities →Fiscal sponsorship allows eligible charitable projects to operate under the umbrella of an established 501(c)(3) organization while meeting specific program, financial, and compliance requirements.
UBF works with mission-aligned projects that meet our fiscal sponsorship criteria. If you are exploring fiscal sponsorship, start by completing our inquiry form so our team can learn more about your project and determine whether there may be a good fit.
Learn About Fiscal Sponsorship →UBF offers programs, workshops, technical assistance, and other opportunities designed to help nonprofit leaders strengthen their organizations.
Opportunities vary throughout the year. Visit our website regularly and sign up for UBF updates to be notified when new programs, applications, and resources become available.
Stay Connected With UBF →There are many ways to get involved.
Individuals can make a financial gift, volunteer their time or professional expertise, and help connect UBF with people and resources that can strengthen our work.
Foundations, corporations, civic organizations, and other partners can explore funding, sponsorship, strategic partnership, employee engagement, and community investment opportunities with UBF.
Support UBF →
Contact UBF
General Inquiries
Reach our team for general questions, partnerships, or information about our programs.
info@unitedblackfund.orgConnect With Us
Make an appointment to connect with our team. Mail-in donations welcome at our office.
Make an appointment →