The Althans Foundation supports established organizations in Cuyahoga County that serve the broad range of personal care, development and enrichment needs of at-risk children, birth to age 18. Within these broad categories, the Foundation places primary emphasis on 2 distinct areas: Literacy Promotion and Support Services for the Visually Impaired.

LITERACY PROMOTION
With Mr. Althans' love of books, it is only fitting that the Foundation focus its resources on child-serving programs that seek to improve and promote literacy. Although the traditional definition of literacy is limited to an individual's ability to read, we take a broader view of literacy to include reading, writing, verbal communication and problem solving. Qualifying programs will emphasize one or all of these areas.

VISION IMPAIRMENT
Because much of Mrs. Althans' time was dedicated to serving clients at the Cleveland Sight Center, we believe it is important that the Foundation support programs that assist the visually impaired. Such programs might address accessibility, education, rehabilitation, safety and self-sufficiency issues.

Types of Support
The Althans Foundation awards small operating or program grants to established organizations. In certain cases, the Foundation will consider requests for capital or endowment needs. The Foundation will not consider requests for debt reduction, annual appeals or events. Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations. No grants are awarded to individuals.

Geographic Focus
The Althans Foundation will focus on organizations based in Cuyahoga County. However, applications from organizations outside of Cuyahoga County will be considered if a Trustee has pre-approved the application, and the applicant's proposed program clearly furthers the Foundation's mission.