The Community Empowerment Grant was established by the Culture and Engagement Committee to support initiatives that encourage meaningful community engagement in Shaker Heights. The program provides grants of up to $2,500 to individuals or groups who are passionate about addressing systemic barriers, promoting cultural understanding, and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard.
The application for 2026 grants opens November 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025. Go to the Community Empowerment Grant application.
Criteria for Review
When reviewing applications, the Culture and Engagement Committee considers the following criteria:
- Significance – How well does the project advance principles of inclusion, belonging and community? How clearly are the goals and objectives stated? How many people will potentially benefit from this project?
- Action Plan – How well is the project defined? Are the primary objectives of the project clear? What strategies are in place to ensure inclusive participation from diverse groups? What resources are needed to implement this project?
- Likelihood of Success – How feasible is the project in terms of time, budget, and available resources.
- Creativity – How creative is this project/imitative?
Recent Recipients
2025
THRIVE Together Program (Teaching Holistic Resilience in Various Environments) – The Shaker Heights Youth Center will offer additional programming, including cooking and financial literacy, at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building and Christ Episcopal Church.
Design Empowerment and Vendor Connection Day – Desired Designs, LLC will host a community event featuring a hands-on workshop for residents to learn affordable, creative home updates, followed by a Vendor Day showcasing local, minority-owned businesses.
2024
SkateFest and Community Workshop - This event featured a community conversation with Kadari Taylor-Watson of US Figure Skating about diversity in ice skating and other sports, followed by free ice skating at Thornton Park Ice Arena.
Youth Lacrosse Clinic – A “Learn to Play” lacrosse program for MAC (Minority Achievement Committee) scholars and children of color, across all age groups.
Building Community Resilience - A lecture series focused on personal safety and protection, including group discussions related to cyber-security, home and personal protection planning, and self-defense strategies tailored towards women.
