Veale Foundation

The Veale Foundation operates as an invitation-only funder based in Pepper Pike, Ohio, supporting Northeast Ohio organizations since 1964. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, instead identifying and inviting organizations aligned with its priorities in education, human services, civic/community development, and healthcare. A distinctive strategic emphasis is youth entrepreneurship — the foundation created the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum in 2012 and has built an extensive ecosystem connecting high school students to entrepreneurship resources across Northeast Ohio. The foundation also has a major institutional relationship with Case Western Reserve University, whose Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship bears the family name. For organizations seeking funding, the practical path is through visibility within the Northeast Ohio nonprofit and education ecosystems rather than direct application. Building relationships through the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum network, Case Western partnerships, or other foundation-connected institutions offers the best avenue to being selected for funding.

With approximately $122 million in assets, the Veale Foundation distributed about $7.3 million in grants in 2023, representing a roughly 6% payout rate. Individual grants range from smaller amounts (e.g., $10,000 to Lake Ridge Academy for an entrepreneurship program) to presumably larger institutional gifts. The foundation's annual expenses of approximately $8.9 million against revenue of $7.5 million suggest gradual asset distribution. The foundation concentrates its giving in four areas: education (with particular emphasis on entrepreneurship education), human and social services, civic and community development, and healthcare. Education-related grants, especially those supporting youth entrepreneurship, appear to constitute the largest share. The Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum has provided over 70,000 touchpoints to entrepreneurship for Northeast Ohio students since 2012, representing a sustained multi-year investment in this program area.

Veale occupies a focused mid-tier position among Northeast Ohio foundations. Its entrepreneurship emphasis overlaps with the Burton D. Morgan Foundation (based in Akron), which is also deeply invested in entrepreneurship education — the two sometimes co-fund programs. Compared to the larger George Gund Foundation, Veale is more targeted in its focus areas and operates on a smaller scale. The foundation's invitation-only model distinguishes it from the Cleveland Foundation and other community foundations that accept open applications. Veale's unique contribution is its sustained investment in youth entrepreneurship infrastructure across Northeast Ohio high schools.

The Veale Foundation continues to support its signature youth entrepreneurship programs across Northeast Ohio. Lake Ridge Academy recently received a $10,000 grant to support its Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship Graduation Certificate Program, including two new student-run businesses. The Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, established in 2012, has surpassed 70,000 student touchpoints and continues to expand its reach in Northeast Ohio high schools. The forum partners with schools to support entrepreneurship curriculum, programs, students, and educators. The Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship at Case Western Reserve University continues operating its THINK, DO, THRIVE Grant Program, offering funding to student startups at various stages from idea exploration (THINK Grant) through prototype development (DO Grant) to scaling revenue-generating businesses (Morgan Startup Grant). The foundation maintains its invitation-only grantmaking model with approximately $7.3 million distributed in 2023.

1. Build visibility in Northeast Ohio nonprofit networks: The Veale Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations must be identified and invited to apply. Participate actively in Northeast Ohio philanthropic convenings, educational forums, and community development networks where foundation staff may identify potential grantees. 2. Align with youth entrepreneurship if possible: The foundation's deepest commitment is to youth entrepreneurship education. If your organization can connect its work to entrepreneurship education for high school students, this creates the strongest alignment with the foundation's priorities. 3. Leverage Case Western and forum connections: The Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship at CWRU and the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum are the foundation's most visible initiatives. Partnerships or collaborations with these entities may provide a pathway to the foundation's attention. 4. Demonstrate Northeast Ohio roots: The foundation is deeply place-based. Your organization should be located in or primarily serve the Northeast Ohio region. National or out-of-region organizations are unlikely to receive consideration. 5. Contact for general inquiries: While applications are not accepted, you can call (216) 255-3166 to introduce your organization and inquire about the foundation's current priorities. A brief, professional introduction may help position your organization for future consideration.