Charitable Giving March 2026

Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation – Spring 2026

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Charitable Grants Supporting Education, Environment, and Community Well-Being

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation provides charitable grants to nonprofit organizations serving communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. The Foundation prioritizes projects that strengthen education, protect the environment, and support healthy, vibrant communities. Funding is awarded through a competitive, invitation-only process beginning with a required Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

Organization

Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation

Support Type

Charitable grants (project-based)

Geographic Focus

Communities where Cleveland-Cliffs has operations (U.S.)

About the Funder

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., one of North America’s largest steel producers. Through strategic community investments, the Foundation supports initiatives that build workforce readiness, protect natural resources, and improve quality of life in the regions where the company operates.

What This Program Supports

Proposed projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s core focus areas:

Education

STEM education and skills development
Workforce readiness and job training
Programs increasing employment opportunities across age groups

Environment

Land and water restoration
Creation or enhancement of green spaces
Initiatives promoting sustainable and resilient communities

Healthy & Vibrant Communities

Programs serving underserved populations
Health and wellness initiatives
Community improvement efforts led by arts, cultural, and civic organizations

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligible applicants generally include:

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Certain public entities such as schools, libraries, and public safety organizations (exceptions may apply)

All applicants must begin with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Only organizations invited after LOI review may submit a full proposal.

Ineligible Requests

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation does not fund:

Individuals
Trips, tours, or travel costs
Political causes, candidates, or campaigns
Denominational or sectarian religious organizations
Operating deficits, loans, or investments
Organizations that discriminate or are not compliant with the USA Patriot Act

Funding Cycles & Deadlines (2026)

Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Deadlines

Spring: March 16, 2026
Summer: May 26, 2026
Fall: August 31, 2026

Full Proposal Deadlines (Invitation Only)

Spring: March 27, 2026
Summer: June 12, 2026
Fall: September 11, 2026

Applicants not contacted within 45 days of LOI submission should assume the project was not selected for further consideration.

Application Process

Organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry through the Cleveland-Cliffs online grants system. Only applicants invited after LOI review may submit a full application. Proposals submitted without an invitation will not be considered.