Connor Foundation

The Connor Foundation is a family foundation with a straightforward, accessible application process — one of the most applicant-friendly among Northeast Ohio private foundations. Founded by retired Sherwin-Williams Chairman/CEO Christopher M. Connor and his wife Sara, the foundation reflects the family's personal values and community commitments.

Who should apply: - 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored nonprofits working in health/wellness, nature preservation, education, or the arts - Northeast Ohio-based organizations have the strongest alignment, but excellent organizations nationwide are considered - Organizations with integrative health, whole-person wellness, or complementary medicine programs have particularly strong alignment given the foundation's signature UH Connor Whole Health investment - Faith-based organizations are eligible (churches and Catholic schools have received funding)

How to approach: 1. Review the four focus areas and identify which one(s) your work aligns with 2. Prepare a clear written request including: organization name, tax-exempt status, specific amount requested, project description, and alignment with the foundation's mission 3. Email your request to info@connorfoundation.org before the cycle deadline (April 24 or October 23, 2026) 4. Any format is accepted — there is no prescribed application form 5. Be specific about the impact in Northeast Ohio or the broader community

What the foundation values: - Community impact and direct service - Organizations that improve quality of life across the health-nature-education-arts spectrum - Both large institutional partners and small community organizations - Stewardship and efficient use of philanthropic dollars

What to avoid: - Requests outside the four focus areas - Vague proposals without clear outcomes or budget specifics - Assuming Northeast Ohio exclusivity — the foundation does fund nationally, but regional ties strengthen applications

The Connor Foundation has experienced remarkable asset growth since its founding in 2015, with total assets increasing from $5M to $41M — an eight-fold increase driven by ongoing contributions from the Connor family (primarily from Christopher Connor's Sherwin-Williams wealth).

Key Patterns: - Grant range is wide: From $2,400 (American Heart Association, 2024) to $1,036,500 (University Hospitals, 2022). The median 2024 grant was $100,000. - University Hospitals dominance: UH has received the foundation's largest grants consistently, with cumulative giving exceeding $11.5 million for the Connor Whole Health integrative medicine program. - Shift toward concentration: The foundation awarded 52 grants in 2022 but only 9 in 2024, suggesting a strategic shift toward fewer, larger investments rather than broad distribution. - Significant reserves building: 2024 saw $15.4M in new contributions against only $1.16M in grants — the foundation is accumulating resources well beyond its current spending rate. - Revenue volatility: Annual contributions range from $82K (2016) to $15.4M (2024), reflecting the timing of transfers from the Connor family rather than investment returns. - Spending rate below 5%: At approximately 2.8% of assets in 2024, the foundation is below the IRS-required minimum distribution for private foundations, suggesting either catch-up distributions are planned or the foundation's investment/contribution structure offsets the requirement.

The Connor Foundation operates in one of America's most philanthropically active metropolitan areas. Northeast Ohio has over 1,500 private foundations with combined assets of $10 billion. Here is how the Connor Foundation compares to peer foundations in the region:

Key Observations: - The Connor Foundation is mid-sized among Northeast Ohio private foundations — larger than most family foundations but far smaller than the region's philanthropy giants like the Gund ($556M) and Cleveland Foundation ($3B) - Its open, format-free application process is notably more accessible than most peers, which require letters of inquiry, invitations, or structured proposals - Its spending rate (~2.8% of assets) is significantly lower than peers like Gund (~4.5%) and the Cleveland Foundation (~3.5%), suggesting capacity for substantial grantmaking growth - The foundation's rapid asset growth (8x since 2015) positions it for potentially larger future impact as it matures

The Connor Foundation entered 2025 with its strongest financial position ever, having received $15.4 million in new contributions in 2024 alone, growing total assets to $41.1 million.

2024 Grantmaking: The foundation made 9 grants totaling $1.16 million, a significant reduction from 24 grants ($2.07M) in 2023 and 52 grants in 2022. The shift toward fewer, larger awards is notable: - University Hospitals Health Systems: $500,000 (continuing the signature Connor Whole Health investment) - Church of the Resurrection (Solon): $200,000 - Two Foundation (Chagrin Falls): $200,000 - American Red Cross (Cleveland): $100,000 - Greater Cleveland Food Bank: $100,000 - Minds Matter Cleveland: $25,000 - St. Aloysius Agatha Church: $20,000 - Cuyahoga County Public Library: $10,000 - American Heart Association: $2,400

UH Connor Whole Health Milestone: The foundation's $3 million gift (announced ~2023) brought cumulative giving to University Hospitals' integrative medicine program to over $11.5 million. The gift established the Connor Endowed Director of Reproductive Well-being position and expanded system-wide Reiki and integrative oncology services.

2026 Grant Cycles Announced: The foundation has posted its 2026 deadlines: April 24 (awards in June) and October 23 (awards in December). Applications are accepted in any format via email to info@connorfoundation.org.

Leadership: Erin C. Reif continues as Executive Director (part-time, 20 hours/week). The family board — Christopher and Sara Connor, plus their children Daniel, Kevin, Morgan, Alexandra, and son-in-law Nicholas Reif — governs the foundation.

The Connor Foundation has one of the most accessible application processes among Northeast Ohio private foundations. Here is how to maximize your chances:

1. Choose your timing carefully. The foundation operates two cycles: April 24 (spring) and October 23 (fall). Awards are announced approximately two months after each deadline. Submit well before the deadline to allow time for any follow-up questions.

2. Use the right contact method. Email your application to info@connorfoundation.org. For questions before applying, contact Executive Director Erin C. Reif at (440) 339-9663.

3. Format your request clearly. Although the foundation accepts "any format," structure your submission to include: (a) organization name and EIN, (b) specific dollar amount requested, (c) project description, (d) which of the four focus areas your work addresses, (e) expected outcomes and timeline, (f) organizational budget.

4. Right-size your ask. 2024 grants ranged from $2,400 to $500,000, with a median of $100,000. First-time applicants should consider requesting $10,000–$100,000. The foundation's largest grants go to organizations with established relationships.

5. Align with the sweet spots. The foundation's signature investment is integrative/whole-person health through University Hospitals. Other strong alignment areas include food security (Greater Cleveland Food Bank), youth development and education (Minds Matter, Saint Martin de Porres), libraries, and faith-based community service.

6. Emphasize Northeast Ohio impact. While national organizations are eligible, demonstrate local impact in Northeast Ohio if possible. The foundation has funded both large institutions and small community organizations.

7. Note the faith-friendly approach. Unlike many private foundations, the Connor Foundation has funded churches and Catholic schools. Faith-based organizations should not hesitate to apply, but the project itself should serve broad community benefit.

8. Build the relationship. The shift from 52 grants (2022) to 9 grants (2024) suggests the foundation is deepening relationships with fewer organizations. A modest first grant could open the door to larger future support.