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Before his death, David Knight Ford and his four sons, who comprised the original Board of Trustees, adopted the following grant philosophy to guide the Foundation's grantmaking program:
Primary Program Areas
Education -- pre-primary and higher
Health care -- with an emphasis on geriatrics and nursing
Economic independence -- the promotion or sustaining of individual and family self-sufficiency
Cultural activities
Current Priorities
The Trustees have identified two age groups, within the broad category of Education, on which they plan to focus a significant portion of the Foundation's resources over the next few years. These areas represent critical periods in a child's development: the early years, from birth to age 5, when major brain development occurs; and early adolescence, ages 10-15, when important education, career and lifestyle decisions are made. Trustees welcome grant requests that address the educational needs of these two age groups.
Geographic Focus
Proposals will be accepted from organizations based in Cuyahoga County. Proposals from organizations located outside of Cuyahoga County will be considered only if invited by a Trustee.
Type of Support
Priority will be given to requests for specific programs or projects. Organizations are discouraged from submitting requests for endowment or general operating support.
Donors' Interest
Preference will also be given to organizations and activities that were supported by the donors, David Knight Ford and Elizabeth Brooks Ford, during their lifetimes.
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