Endowment

In 1920, Trustees of Cleveland Sight Center (CSC) established CSC’s endowment and through generous philanthropic commitments, it has experienced steady growth since that time. Our endowment has become a necessary and sustainable income source that funds services to clients. About 85% of clients that need services from CSC live below the poverty-line and do not have the financial ability to pay for the services CSC provides (and there is a significant lack of funding from government and insurance providers).  The endowment is key to bridging the gap and providing funding for essential services to clients. With your continued support, this sustainable source of funding will continue to grow and ensure our clients can receive the necessary services they need to thrive.

Add your gift to our endowment to make a perpetual impact on the blind and visually impaired community. You can make a gift to CSC’s endowment either during your lifetime or by leaving a planned gift with Cleveland Sight Center, like a will or trust. Contact 216-791-8118 or info@clevelandsightcenter.org to learn more.

THE $10,000 FOUNDING GIFT

In 1918, Caesar A. Grasselli, a generous Cleveland philanthropist and loyal supporter of Cleveland Sight Center, donated a family residence on East 55th Street which became CSC’s first permanent home. That gift provided a strong foundation upon which many of today’s client successes have been built. In 1920, Mr. Grasselli made a $10,000 founding contribution to establish CSC’s endowment.

Today, the endowment at Cleveland Sight Center is the organization’s largest financial asset, which produces a perpetual source of financial support for programs and services to people who are blind or visually impaired in Northeast Ohio. This source of funding enables CSC to offer a wide array of services and serve every person who needs our help, regardless of their ability to pay.

Furthermore, in a typical year, the endowment and trust income sustains about half of CSC’s annual costs. Without the endowment, CSC would have to drastically cut back the services offered and therefore, leave thousands of people every year who are blind or visually impaired with nowhere to receive these crucial services. As the premiere and often only agency in Northeast Ohio that provides these critical services, the endowment is a safety net that ensures people of every age who are blind and visually impaired will always have an organization dedicated to their success located in Northeast Ohio.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Designate your gift to the endowment:

• Give today: Donate online and select “Endowment Fund” from the “Select Fund” drop down. Or, include a note with your mailed check.
• Via will, trust, or other planned giving vehicle: Visit our Planned Giving page to learn more.

Legal Name: Cleveland Sight Center OR Cleveland Society for the Blind
Federal ID: 34-0714652
Cleveland Sight Center’s Address: 1909 E. 101ST Street Cleveland, OH 44106