Mandel Foundation Makes a $4 Million Challenge Grant to Karamu House
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation has awarded a $4 million challenge grant to Karamu House to support the remaining infrastructure and capital improvements to the campus in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland. This investment will accelerate direct economic impact in the Fairfax neighborhood and will support Karamu’s ongoing pursuit of racial equity and inclusion for all members of the community through the arts.
The goal of Karamu’s capital improvement plan is to improve community mobility while supporting redevelopment in Fairfax. This grant will support Karamu’s Phase IV renovations in their Education and Administration Building, bringing renovation of the main building to a close.
The Mandel Foundation’s challenge grant means the Foundation will match—dollar for dollar—up to $4 million total in additional donations collected now through the end of 2024. This grant will effectively double donations from other foundations, corporations, and donors.
Tony F. Sias, President and CEO of Karamu House stated, “It is with sincere gratitude that Karamu House accepts this incredible challenge grant in the amount of $4 million from the Mandel Foundation. This new partnership and collaboration will allow us to complete the infrastructure and capital improvements of Phase IV of our master plan. These enhancements include renovations in the Education and Administration Building, bringing construction of the main building to a close. We are elated knowing these funds and the new relationship will add to the bright future of Karamu.”