Who We Fund

Since its creation, our foundation has had a strong environmental interest.  We supported land acquisition through the Nature Conservancy, helped to found the Shaker Lakes Nature Center and supported organizations with environmental programs such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

With the passage of time, our goals have evolved to include programming for urban revitalization and sustainability, environmental education and community health.

The Sears-Swetland Family Foundation gave grants to the following organizations in 2021:

  • ACE/ Alliance for Climate Education: Ohio operations
  • Alliance for the Great Lakes: Ohio operations
  • Beyond Pesticides Ohio
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of NE Ohio: Smart Learning Centers and Career Readiness
  • Cleveland Institute of Art*
  • Cleveland Metroparks: Garfield Park Restoration
  • Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Human Health and Evolution Exhibits
  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens*
  • CWRU School of Medicine: Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health and Catalytic Fund
  • Downtown Cleveland Alliance
  • Drink Local, Drink Tap
  • Environmental Law and Policy Center: Ohio projects
  • Famicos Foundation: Community and School Garden
  • Family Promise
  • Footpath Foundation
  • Friends of Breakthrough Schools
  • Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home: Lincoln Hall*
  • Hospice of the Western Reserve: Children’s Garden at David Simpson House
  • Hunger Network: Food Rescue
  • Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
  • Land Studio
  • Memphremagog Trails*
  • Metro Catholic School: Green Program Coordinator
  • Midcoast Conservancy*
  • Nature Center at Shaker Lakes: Campaign for the Outdoor Classroom and ASK Program
  • North Union Farmers Market
  • Ohio Environmental Council
  • Ohio State Extension Service, Cuyahoga County: WIC Perks Program
  • Old Brooklyn CDC: Community Needs Assessment
  • RidAll Farm
  • The Foundry
  • Trust for Public Land: Ohio Programs
  • University Circle, Inc.
  • University Settlement
  • Urban Community School: Garden and Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator
  • Vermont Nature Conservancy*
  • Western Reserve Land Conservancy: Campaign to Conserve, Connect and Sustain and Thriving Communities

Total: $355,000 in grants during 2021

*Trustee Discretionary Grant

Photo of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens Green Corps.